Introduction to the NBA Play-In Games
The NBA Play-In Tournament has fast become a thrilling precursor to the playoffs, adding an extra layer of excitement and competition to the end of the regular season. Introduced in 2020, the Play-In Games were designed to enhance competitive balance and provide more teams with the opportunity to compete for a playoff spot. In 2024, the Play-In Tournament continues to be a significant event in the NBA calendar, pitting teams against each other in high-stakes matches.
The Structure of the 2024 NBA Play-In Tournament
The Play-In Tournament involves a set of games that decide the final two playoff spots in each conference (East and West). Here’s how the structure works:
1. **Seeding**: Teams that finish the regular season seeded 7th through 10th in each conference participate in the tournament. The 7th and 8th seeds play one game, as do the 9th and 10th seeds.
2. **First Round**:
– The 7th seed hosts the 8th seed. The winner of this game earns the 7th spot in the playoffs.
– The