🏀 NBA 2026-27
NBA playoffs format and current bracket
Eight per conference, sixteen in all. Seeds 1–6 go directly; seeds 7–10 play the play-in tournament for the 7 and 8 seeds.
🏆 Bracket if the season ended today
If the season ended today. Seeds 1–6 direct, 7–10 play-in.
East
Direct (1–6)
Play-in tournament
7 vs 8 winner → 7 seed / loser vs (9 vs 10 winner) → 8 seed · single game
West
Direct (1–6)
Play-in tournament
7 vs 8 winner → 7 seed / loser vs (9 vs 10 winner) → 8 seed · single game
📐 Playoffs
Play-in tournament
7 vs 8 winner → 7 seed / loser vs (9 vs 10 winner) → 8 seed · single game
First round
Best of 7 · 1 vs 8, 2 vs 7, 3 vs 6, 4 vs 5 · Higher seed has home advantage (2-2-1-1-1)
Conference Finals
Best of 7
NBA Finals
Best of 7 · home advantage to the better regular-season record
🎟️ NBA game tickets
Teams you can book on Klook. Dates, seats and prices are on the Klook page.
- Los Angeles LakersSee on Klook →
Affiliate link to Klook. We may earn a commission on bookings; prices can change.
❓ FAQ
How many teams make the NBA playoffs?
Eight per conference, sixteen in all. Seeds 1–6 go directly; seeds 7–10 play the play-in tournament for the 7 and 8 seeds. The 7 vs 8 winner takes the 7 seed; its loser faces the 9 vs 10 winner for the 8 seed.
How does the play-in work?
The 7 vs 8 winner takes the 7 seed. Its loser then faces the 9 vs 10 winner for the 8 seed. All single games, higher seed at home.
Is the gap between 6th and 7th really that big?
Yes. Sixth is a guaranteed playoff spot; seventh gets a second chance after one loss, while ninth and tenth must win two straight.
As of 2026-10-03 · Data: compiled directly from ESPN public records. Standings and scenarios are our own calculations and may differ from official announcements.