CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Yeah, so the NBA Play-In Tournament just concluded. I had no idea it was even a thing. If it wasn’t for a recent conversation with my esteemed colleague, and editor-in-chief, Elizabeth Hess, I would still not know that it even existed. Apparently, it’s been going on since the COVID season. How did I not know?! I’m mad at myself for not knowing, but I’m just as upset with my fellow “Average Joe” sports fans that make up my family and friend group. How have we not discussed this in the last 5 years?!
As an “Average Joe” sports fan, I will not be performing a deep dive research effort into past NBA Play-In Tournament participants and results, but I’ll guess that the Bulls and Pacers have not been a part of prior play-in tournaments. There’ll be no surprise if I’m wrong, but the only explanation I can fathom for my ignorance is that I, and my social circle, haven’t had to have the conversation about the tourney because area teams haven’t been involved.
This year, the Bulls definitely took part in the tourney and, unfortunately, lost to the Miami Heat. It took Elizabeth, who is, and whose family are big Chicago Bulls fans, approaching me to discuss the disappointment of the loss for me to learn that the play in tournament was a thing. Poor Elizabeth had to deal with the end of the Bulls season and the realization that her sports columnist was apparently less than average in his sports knowledge all within a 12-hour period. I owe her some peanut M&Ms (her favorite).
Anyway, if you are also less than average in your NBA Play-In Tournament knowledge. Here’s a minimally researched summary.
What Is the NBA Play-In?
The NBA Play-In Tournament is a postseason format used to determine the final two playoff spots in each conference. It features teams ranked 7th through 10th in both the Eastern and Western Conferences competing for a chance to enter the NBA Playoffs.
Why Did the NBA Introduce the Play-In?
The Play-In Tournament was introduced during the 2019-2020 NBA season to enhance competitiveness and keep more teams in playoff contention toward the end of the regular season. By giving teams outside the top eight a chance to qualify, the Play-In format adds excitement, meaningful games, and potential upsets, which have been popular among fans and players alike.
How Does the NBA Play-In Work?
Each conference hosts three Play-In games involving teams ranked 7th through 10th:
- Game 1: 7th seed vs. 8th seed – Winner earns the 7th playoff spot
- Game 2: 9th seed vs. 10th seed – Loser is eliminated
- Game 3: Loser of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 – Winner earns the 8th playoff spot
After these games, the NBA Playoffs proceed as usual with the final 8 teams from each conference.
Who Participates in the Play-In Tournament?
At the end of the regular season, the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th place teams from each conference enter the Play-In Tournament. A total of 8 teams (4 from each conference) compete, with 4 advancing to fill the final spots in the playoff bracket.
I’m sure there are detractors out there, but it looks like the majority of players and fans support the event. I’m with them. I admit to being a “playoff season NBA fan”, so with my newfound knowledge I’ll be starting my consistent viewership of the NBA a few weeks earlier next year. Until then, it’s regular old playoff viewing and a serious evaluation of my social circle’s status as “Average Joe” level sports fans.