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?

• Start Date: Tuesday, April 15, 2025

• End Date: Friday, April 18, 2025

• Time Zone: All games are listed in Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)

• TV Broadcasts: TNT and ESPN

• 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:

1. Game 1: 7th seed hosts 8th seed

   • Winner becomes the No. 7 seed in the playoffs

   • Loser gets a second chance in Game 3

2. Game 2: 9th seed hosts 10th seed

   • Winner advances to Game 3

   • Loser is eliminated

3. Game 3: Loser of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2

   • Winner becomes the No. 8 seed

   • Loser is eliminated

Total games: 6 — three in each conference

Full 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament Schedule

Tuesday, April 15 – First Round: 7 vs. 8 Games

• 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

  • Loser plays the winner of Bulls vs. Heat for final East spot

• 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

  • Loser plays the winner of Kings vs. Mavericks

Wednesday, April 16 – First Round: 9 vs. 10 Games

• 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

  • Loser is eliminated from playoff contention

• 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

  • Loser is eliminated

Friday, April 18 – Final Round (Game 3s)

• 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

• 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

2025 NBA Play-In Tournament Bracket Breakdown

Eastern Conference Play-In

• 7. Orlando Magic vs. 8. Atlanta Hawks

  • Winner becomes No. 7 seed, faces Boston Celtics

  • Loser plays winner of 9 vs. 10

• 9. Chicago Bulls vs. 10. Miami Heat

  • Winner faces loser of Magic vs. Hawks

  • Loser is eliminated

Western Conference Play-In

• 7. Golden State Warriors vs. 8. Memphis Grizzlies

  • Winner becomes No. 7 seed, faces Houston Rockets

  • Loser plays winner of 9 vs. 10

• 9. Sacramento Kings vs. 10. Dallas Mavericks

  • Winner faces loser of Warriors vs. Grizzlies

  • Loser is eliminated

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

• Stephen Curry (Warriors) – Play-in veteran with unmatched playoff experience

• Paolo Banchero (Magic) – Rising star leading a young Orlando squad

• Trae Young (Hawks) – Always a threat to explode in clutch situations

• De'Aaron Fox (Kings) – Lightning-fast guard leading Sacramento’s charge

• Ja Morant (Grizzlies) – Back at full strength and looking to make a statement

• Zach LaVine (Bulls) – Scorer with potential to swing a single-game matchup

Why the Play-In Tournament Matters

• Keeps more teams competitive through the end of the regular season

• Increases postseason drama with win-or-go-home stakes

• Adds more revenue and viewership to the NBA calendar

• 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.