The NBA basketball playoffs typically begin in mid-April and run through June, following the conclusion of the regular season. The exact dates vary slightly each year based on the NBA’s schedule, but the postseason usually starts around the second or third week of April, with the Finals culminating in mid-June.
When Do the NBA Playoffs Start?
The NBA playoffs are scheduled annually after the 82-game regular season ends in early April. The postseason tournament begins in mid-April, with the Play-In Tournament determining the final playoff seeds before the official first round.
Key Dates in the NBA Playoff Timeline
- Regular Season Ends: Early to mid-April
- Play-In Tournament: Mid-April (typically April 15–19)
- First Round Begins: Around April 20
- Conference Semifinals: Early May
- Conference Finals: Mid-to-late May
- NBA Finals: Begin in early June, conclude by mid-June
How Are Teams Qualified for the Playoffs?
In the NBA, 16 teams qualify for the playoffs: eight from the Eastern Conference and eight from the Western Conference. Since the 2023 expansion of the Play-In Tournament, the top six teams in each conference automatically secure playoff spots based on win-loss records. Teams ranked 7th through 10th compete in a play-in format to determine the final two seeds.
Play-In Tournament Format
- Teams ranked 7th and 8th play each other; the winner earns the No. 7 seed.
- Teams ranked 9th and 10th play; the loser is eliminated.
- The loser of the 7v8 game faces the winner of the 9v10 game for the No. 8 seed.
NBA Playoff Structure and Format
The NBA playoffs consist of four rounds, all using a best-of-seven series format:
- First Round
- Conference Semifinals
- Conference Finals
- NBA Finals
The team with the better regular-season record hosts Games 1, 2, 5, and 7 (home-court advantage).
| Season | Regular Season End | Play-In Dates | Playoffs Start | NBA Finals End | Champion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | April 10, 2022 | April 12–15 | April 16 | June 16 | Golden State Warriors |
| 2022–23 | April 9, 2023 | April 11–14 | April 15 | June 12 | Denver Nuggets |
| 2023–24 | April 14, 2024 | April 16–19 | April 20 | June 17 | Boston Celtics |
| 2024–25 (Projected) | April 13, 2025 | April 15–18 | April 19 | June 15 | TBD |
The data shows consistent scheduling patterns over recent seasons, with the playoffs starting approximately one week after the regular season concludes. The Play-In Tournament has added excitement and competitive balance, particularly for teams ranked 7th to 10th. Projected dates for the 2024–25 season align closely with historical trends.
International and Other Basketball Leagues
While the NBA playoffs dominate global attention, other leagues have different timelines:
- FIBA Basketball World Cup: Held every four years; next in 2027.
- EuroLeague: Playoffs typically occur in May, concluding with the Final Four in late May.
- NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament (March Madness): Single-elimination tournament held every March.
- NBA G League: Playoffs follow the NBA model, usually in April.
Frequently Asked Questions About NBA Playoffs
When do the NBA playoffs start in 2025?
The NBA playoffs for the 2024–25 season are projected to begin on April 19, 2025, following the Play-In Tournament from April 15–18. The exact dates will be confirmed by the NBA in its official schedule release.
How many teams make the NBA playoffs?
A total of 16 teams qualify for the NBA playoffs — eight from the Eastern Conference and eight from the Western Conference. This includes six automatic qualifiers and two teams from the Play-In Tournament.
What is the NBA Play-In Tournament?
The NBA Play-In Tournament involves teams ranked 7th through 10th in each conference. It determines the final two playoff seeds using a mini-tournament format introduced in 2020 to increase competition at season’s end.
How long do the NBA playoffs last?
The NBA playoffs typically last about two months, starting in mid-April and ending in mid-June. The duration depends on how many games each series requires, especially if the NBA Finals go to seven games.
What happens if a playoff game is tied?
If a playoff game is tied at the end of regulation, overtime periods (each 5 minutes) are played until a winner is determined. There is no limit to the number of overtimes, ensuring a decisive outcome in every game.
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