The Evolution of the Play-In Tournament

The NBA Play-In Tournament, introduced in the 2020-2021 season, was a groundbreaking addition aimed at increasing competition and fan engagement. Initially met with mixed reactions, it quickly proved to be a successful experiment. As we gear up for the 2024 edition, the excitement is palpable, especially with the tweaks and updates the league has implemented based on fan feedback and previous learnings.

Format and Structure

The 2024 NBA Play-In Tournament follows a similar format to its predecessors, designed to determine the final two playoff spots in each conference. Teams seeded 7th through 10th compete in a mini-tournament just before the traditional playoffs. Here’s how it works:

1. **The 7th Seed vs. The 8th Seed**: The winner of this matchup secures the 7th spot in the playoffs.
2. **The 9th Seed vs. The 10th Seed**: The loser is eliminated from the competition.
3. **Loser of 7/8 vs. Winner of 9/10**: The winner of this game earns the 8th and final playoff spot.