Introduction to the NBA Playoffs
The NBA Playoffs is one of the most exhilarating events in the sports world, where the top basketball teams battle for the chance to hoist the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy. To fully appreciate this high-stakes competition, it is essential to understand the bracket structure, which can often appear complex to the uninitiated. This roadmap aims to demystify the 2024 NBA Playoffs and provide clarity on how teams progress through the tournament.
Qualification for the Playoffs
The NBA Playoffs consists of 16 teams – 8 from the Eastern Conference and 8 from the Western Conference. These teams are determined by their regular-season performance. The top six teams in each conference automatically secure playoff berths, based on their win-loss records. Furthermore, teams ranked 7th through 10th in each conference participate in the Play-In Tournament, a relatively new addition aimed at enhancing competitiveness.
The Play-In Tournament
The Play-In Tournament introduces an added layer of excitement before the traditional playoffs begin. The 7th and 8th seeds in each conference face off, with the winner securing the 7th seed. Meanwhile