When is the NBA Play-In Tournament? Rules, teams, location & how to watch

The NBA Play-In Tournament has added plenty of drama along with helping to curtail tanking. Two more teams in each conference reach the postseason after this addition, and it gives more teams hope they can qualify for the playoffs. This year, the races are jam-packed and the field is wide open, so there is plenty to play for down the stretch.

The Dallas Mavericks are fighting to avoid the Play-In Tournament down the stretch. The top six teams in each conference advance directly to the playoffs, and Dallas does not want their season to hinge on the results of one or two games. Fifth through 13th in the Western Conference are separated by just three games, and anything can happen over the final month of the regular season.

There is a real possibility that the Mavericks could be in the Play-In Tournament for the first time since it started in 2020, so how does it work? Here is a look at all the specifics of the annual event.

When is the NBA Play-In Tournament?

The 2023 NBA Play-In Tournament takes place from April 11 to April 14. There will be three games in each conference over those four days.

What teams qualify for NBA Play-In Tournament?

Teams seeded seventh through tenth in each conference based on regular season record qualify for the Play-In Tournament. Those eight teams are vying for four playoff spots.

What are the rules for the NBA Play-In Tournament?

Seventh faces eighth in each conference to open the tournament with the winner advancing to the playoffs as the seventh seed. The loser faces the winner of the nine versus ten game for the eighth and final playoff spot. Each is just one game with the winner advancing.

Where do they play the NBA Play-In Tournament?

The higher seed hosts every game in the Play-In Tournament, so seven hosts eight and nine hosts ten with the loser of the seven versus eight matchup hosting the final game.

How can fans watch the NBA Play-In Tournament?

The Play-In Tournament will air on ESPN and TNT this year with each network getting three games. Fans can stream the games on Watch ESPN or TNTdrama.com.

The 2023 NBA Play-In Tournament promises to be full of drama and excitement as four teams from each conference compete for the final two playoff spots. The Heat, Clippers, Lakers, and Warriors could all end up in the Play-In Tournament, which would only add more spice. Fans certainly won’t want to miss a game, so please tune in and enjoy the show.