2025 NBA Play-In Tournament: Full Schedule, Matchups, Format, and How to Watch
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| NBA Play-In Tournament |
The 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament tips off on Tuesday, April 15 and runs through Friday, April 18, delivering high-stakes basketball just before the NBA Playoffs begin. Featuring seeds 7 through 10 in both conferences, this tournament determines the final two playoff spots in the East and West. With teams fighting for survival, fans can expect playoff-level intensity from the opening tip.
When Does the 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament Start?
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Start Date: Tuesday, April 15, 2025
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End Date: Friday, April 18, 2025
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Time Zone: All games are listed in Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)
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TV Broadcasts: TNT and ESPN
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Streaming Options: NBA League Pass, TNT App, ESPN+
Read more: 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament, Playoffs And Finals Schedule
NBA Play-In Tournament Format Explained (2025)
The NBA Play-In Tournament format remains consistent with previous years:
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Game 1: 7th seed hosts 8th seed
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Winner becomes the No. 7 seed in the playoffs
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Loser gets a second chance in Game 3
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Game 2: 9th seed hosts 10th seed
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Winner advances to Game 3
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Loser is eliminated
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Game 3: Loser of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2
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Winner becomes the No. 8 seed
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Loser is eliminated
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Total games: 6 — three in each conference
Full 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament Schedule
Tuesday, April 15 – First Round: 7 vs. 8 Games
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Orlando Magic (7) vs. Atlanta Hawks (8)
Location: Amway Center, Orlando
Time: 4:30 PM PDT
Broadcast: TNT-
Winner clinches East’s No. 7 seed and will face the No. 2 Boston Celtics
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Loser plays the winner of Bulls vs. Heat for final East spot
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Golden State Warriors (7) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (8)
Location: Chase Center, San Francisco
Time: 7:00 PM PDT
Broadcast: TNT-
Winner clinches West’s No. 7 seed and will face the No. 2 Houston Rockets
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Loser plays the winner of Kings vs. Mavericks
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Wednesday, April 16 – First Round: 9 vs. 10 Games
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Chicago Bulls (9) vs. Miami Heat (10)
Location: United Center, Chicago
Time: 4:30 PM PDT
Broadcast: ESPN-
Winner advances to play loser of Magic vs. Hawks
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Loser is eliminated from playoff contention
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Sacramento Kings (9) vs. Dallas Mavericks (10)
Location: Golden 1 Center, Sacramento
Time: 7:00 PM PDT
Broadcast: ESPN-
Winner advances to play loser of Warriors vs. Grizzlies
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Loser is eliminated
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Friday, April 18 – Final Round (Game 3s)
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East Final Play-In Game
Magic/Hawks loser vs. Bulls/Heat winner
Time: 4:30 PM PDT
Broadcast: TNT-
Winner becomes East’s No. 8 seed
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West Final Play-In Game
Warriors/Grizzlies loser vs. Kings/Mavericks winner
Time: 7:00 PM PDT
Broadcast: ESPN-
Winner becomes West’s No. 8 seed
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2025 NBA Play-In Tournament Bracket Breakdown
Eastern Conference Play-In
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7. Orlando Magic vs. 8. Atlanta Hawks
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Winner becomes No. 7 seed, faces Boston Celtics
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Loser plays winner of 9 vs. 10
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9. Chicago Bulls vs. 10. Miami Heat
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Winner faces loser of Magic vs. Hawks
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Loser is eliminated
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Western Conference Play-In
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7. Golden State Warriors vs. 8. Memphis Grizzlies
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Winner becomes No. 7 seed, faces Houston Rockets
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Loser plays winner of 9 vs. 10
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9. Sacramento Kings vs. 10. Dallas Mavericks
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Winner faces loser of Warriors vs. Grizzlies
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Loser is eliminated
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How to Watch the 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| TNT | Live coverage for select games on April 15 & 18 |
| ESPN | Broadcasts on April 16 & 18 |
| Streaming | TNT app, WatchESPN, NBA League Pass (blackout rules apply) |
| Local TV | Some games may also be available on regional sports networks |
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Key Players to Watch
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Stephen Curry (Warriors) – Play-in veteran with unmatched playoff experience
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Paolo Banchero (Magic) – Rising star leading a young Orlando squad
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Trae Young (Hawks) – Always a threat to explode in clutch situations
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De'Aaron Fox (Kings) – Lightning-fast guard leading Sacramento’s charge
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Ja Morant (Grizzlies) – Back at full strength and looking to make a statement
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Zach LaVine (Bulls) – Scorer with potential to swing a single-game matchup
Why the Play-In Tournament Matters
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Keeps more teams competitive through the end of the regular season
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Increases postseason drama with win-or-go-home stakes
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Adds more revenue and viewership to the NBA calendar
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Puts young stars and fringe playoff teams in the spotlight
Final Thoughts
The 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament is not just a warm-up — it's a proving ground. With playoff berths on the line, legacies will be built and seasons will end in just 48 minutes. Whether you're a hardcore NBA fan or a casual viewer, the Play-In Tournament is must-watch basketball.
