Latest On NBA Playoffs
Latest News
“Nikola Jokic Is Going to Flop”: Anthony Edwards Reveals Locker Room Warning to Rudy Gobert
1 day ago
Doctor Explains Why Kevin Durant’s Return vs Lakers Could Complicate His Injury
1 day ago
Rockets Get Bad News About Kevin Durant’s Injury Ahead Of Game 2 Against Lakers
1 day ago
LeBron James Will “Dog Walk” Rockets If Kevin Durant Doesn’t Recover, Claims Lakers Star’s Ex-Teammate
1 day ago
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 13th Straight 25-Point Playoff Game Leads Thunder to Win vs Suns
2 days ago
Most Loved Stories
More on NBA Playoffs
Jayson Tatum Surpasses Kobe Bryant’s Record, Jaylen Brown Gets Hot in Blowout Win vs 76ers
Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum surpassed Kobe Bryant's Record and Jaylen Brown got hot in the blowout win against the Philadelphia 76ers
Viral Video Shows NYPD Saving Trae Young Jersey From Being Vandalized by Knicks Fan
The Trae Young drama among fans of the New York Knicks gets the intervention of a New York Police department
NBA Playoffs Preview: Injury Report, Predicted Lineup, Odds for 04/19 Games Feat. Celtics, Thunder, Spurs and More
This April 19 NBA Playoffs preview covers injury reports, predicted lineups, and odds featuring the Celtics, Thunder, Spurs, and more.
Lakers Legend Says LeBron James Is in His “Magic Johnson Era” After Leading Lakers Past Rockets in Game 1
Lakers great labels LeBron James’ dominant showing vs Rockets as a Magic Johnson-like phase after his historic playoff impact.
‘I’m Gonna Hit Jabari Smith’: Jaxson Hayes Clip Goes Viral After Hand Injury
Jaxson Hayes viral clip emerges after hand cut injury sparks heated courtside moment involving Jabari Smith controversy online.
Dwyane Wade, Candace Parker Face Heat for ‘Terrible’ Commentary During Nuggets-Timberwolves Game 1
Dwyane Wade and Candace Parker draw fan backlash as their commentary frustrates viewers during Nuggets vs Timberwolves Game 1.
“We Lucked Out a Little”: Kenny Atkinson Puts Cavs Locker Room on Alert After Game 1 Win vs. Raptors
Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson on the win against the Toronto Raptors in Game 1 of their 2026 playoff series
NBA Playoffs 2026 Staff Picks and Predictions: Who Will be Crowned Champion?
NBA Playoffs 2026 predictions are in. Staff picks reveal split opinions, bold calls, and the biggest contenders for the title.
Kevin Durant Injury Situation Gets Far More Serious as Rockets HC Issues Health Update
Kevin Durant’s injury status draws a new concern after head coach Ime Udoka sheds light on it, casting his availability into doubt.
NBA Playoffs 2026: Schedule, Bracket & First-Round Matchups Explained
The 2026 NBA Playoffs bracket is locked in as teams from the East and the West are ready to throw their toughest punches.
“Best Defender I’ve Ever Seen”: Steve Kerr Gives Ultimate Praise To Draymond Green
Draymond Green earns praise from head coach Steve Kerr after his performance in the 126-121 play-in win against the LA Clippers.
NBA Broadcaster To Conduct Investigation After LeBron James, NBA World Complaint About Blackout During Heat Vs. Hornets
LeBron James and the NBA world's complaint about the glitch in Amazon Prime's network during the Hornets-Heat game leads to an investigation.
What Is the NBA Finals Format? Games, Schedule, TV, and Rules Explained
Here is all that you need to know about the NBA Finals explained, including the format, schedule, and rules as play-offs start drawing close.
Rick Carlisle Reveals Pacers Heartbreaking Reaction to Tyrese Haliburton Injury After Game 7 Loss
An Achilles snapped. A city held its breath. And Carlisle? He’s already scripting the sequel. This wasn’t the end—just the comma.
Draymond Green Drops Truth Bomb on Steve Kerr’s Unrealistic Demands in Timberwolves Loss
Draymond Green unveils the truth behind Steve Kerr's demands in the playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves amidst new confession.
Shaquille O’Neal Makes Tough Chet Holmgren Admission After OKC’s Loss vs Pacers in Game 1
25 years after torching the Pacers, Shaq slams Chet Holmgren for his Game 1 flop: “Chet had a horrible game.” The torch wasn’t passed.
Multiple Sources Reveal Knicks’ Stance on Ime Udoka After Kevin Durant’s Rockets Dream Inches Closer
Knicks clear intentions with Ime Udoka unearthed as Houston Rockets make their voices loud amidst Kevin Durant trade idea.
NBA Finals Game 1 Already Creating History as 314% Jump in Ticket Price Has Fans in Splits
The NBA Finals are the Thunder's most expensive ticket listing of all time, but even that does not have NBA fans impressed.
Adam Silver Only Wants One Thing That Lakers & Warriors Failed to Provide as Major NBA Finals Issue Emerges
Adam Silver's sole hope from the NBA Finals that even Warriors & Lakers couldn't do unearthed as certain concerning issues also come to light.
Knicks Urged to Get Celtics Star as Karl-Anthony Towns’ Ties Will Solve NY’s Major Concern
The Knicks get suggestions of signing one of the Celtics' star for his link with Karl-Anthony Towns that will New York's pain.
Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns Address Offseason Plans Amid Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Rumors
Jalen Brunson & Karl-Anthony Towns set the record straight for the offseason as Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors grow loud.
LeBron and Savannah James Have Parenting Advice That Could Help Millions of American Families
LeBron and Savannah James give crucial parenting advice as the Lakers star's kid miss out on major experience.
LeBron James Makes Michael Jordan Admission as Dominique Wilkins Revives NBA’s Toxic Debate
LeBron James makes emotional Michael Jordan confession as NBA Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins revives longstanding debate.
Luka Doncic Says Relationship With LeBron James Is Work in Progress After Lakers Locker Room’s Real Leader Emerges
Luka Doncic clarifies his relationship "in progress" with LeBron James as the face of the true leader of the Lakers locker room emerges.
Jalen Brunson Has Spiteful Reaction to Reporter’s Tom Thibodeau Question as Knicks HC Reveals Future Plan
Jalen Brunson shuts down a bold question about Tom Thibodeau's future after the Knicks' playoff exit, as Thibs outlines big offseason plans.
Sources Confirm Jonathan Kuminga’s Plans as Warriors Eye $94 Million Trade Opportunity
Jonathan Kuminga's plans for future unearthed as the Golden State Warriors aim for a $94 million star this offseason.
About NBA Playoffs
About NBA Playoffs
The NBA Playoffs is an annual basketball elimination event held to determine the league champions. It is a four-round, best of 7 tournament that is held right after the regular season and the preliminary tournament, i.e. the Play-In tournament.
While the top 6 teams from each of the conferences come together to play against each other in the play-off series, #7 and #8 from the conferences were determined by the Play-ins.
2024 NBA Playoff Picture
| 1 | Boston Celtics | 1 | OKC Thunder |
| 2 | New York Knicks | 2 | Denver Nuggets |
| 3 | Milwaukee Bucks | 3 | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| 4 | Cleveland Cavaliers | 4 | LA Clippers |
| 5 | Orlando Magic | 5 | Dallas Mavericks |
| 6 | Indiana Pacers | 6 | Phoenix Suns |
| 7 | Philadelphia 76ers | 7 | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 8 | Miami Heat | 8 | New Orleans Pelicans |
First round schedule:
Eastern Conference
(1) Boston vs. (8) Miami
Ӣ Game 1: Celtics vs. Heat; Sunday, April 21
Ӣ Game 2: Heat vs. Celtics; Wednesday, April 24
Ӣ Game 3: Celtics vs. Heat; Saturday, April 27
Ӣ Game 4: Celtics vs. Heat; Monday, April 29
Ӣ Game 5: Heat vs. Celtics; Wednesday, May 1 *
Ӣ Game 6: Celtics vs. Heat; Friday, May 3 *
Ӣ Game 7: Heat vs. Celtics; Sunday, May 5 *
* = If necessary
(2) New York vs. (7) Philadelphia
Ӣ Game 1: Knicks vs. 76ers; Saturday, April 20
Ӣ Game 2:Knicks vs. 76ers; Monday, April 22
Ӣ Game 3: Knicks vs. 76ers; Thursday, April 25
Ӣ Game 4: Knicks vs. 76ers; Sunday, April 28
Ӣ Game 5: 76ers vs. Knicks; Tuesday, April 30 *
Ӣ Game 6: Knicks vs. 76ers; Thursday, May 2 *
Ӣ Game 7: 76ers vs. Knicks; Saturday, May 4 *
* = If necessary
(3) Milwaukee vs. (6) Indiana
Ӣ Game 1: Pacers vs. Bucks; Sunday, April 21
Ӣ Game 2: Pacers vs. Bucks; Tuesday, April 23
Ӣ Game 3: Bucks vs. Pacers; Friday, April 26
Ӣ Game 4: Bucks vs. Pacers; Sunday, April 28
Ӣ Game 5: Pacers vs. Bucks; Tuesday, April 30 *
Ӣ Game 6: Bucks vs. Pacers; Thursday, May 2 *
Ӣ Game 7: Pacers vs. Bucks; Saturday, May 4 *
* = If necessary
(4) Cleveland vs. (5) Orlando
Ӣ Game 1: Cavaliers vs. Magic; Saturday, April 20
Ӣ Game 2: Cavaliers vs. Magic; Monday, April 22
Ӣ Game 3: Cavaliers vs. Magic; Thursday, April 25
Ӣ Game 4: Cavaliers vs. Magic; Saturday, April 27
Ӣ Game 5: Magic vs. Cavaliers; Tuesday, April 30 *
Ӣ Game 6: Cavaliers vs. Magic; Friday, May 3 *
Ӣ Game 7: Magic vs. Cavaliers; Sunday, May 5 *
* = If necessary
Western Conference
(1) Oklahoma City vs. (8) New Orleans
Ӣ Game 1: Thunder vs. Pelicans; Sunday, April 21
Ӣ Game 2: Pelicans vs. Thunder; Wednesday, April 24
Ӣ Game 3: Thunder vs. Pelicans; Saturday, April 27
Ӣ Game 4: Thunder vs. Pelicans; Monday, April 29
Ӣ Game 5: Pelicans vs. Thunder; Wednesday, May 1 *
Ӣ Game 6: Thunder vs. Pelicans; Friday, May 3 *
Ӣ Game 7: Pelicans vs. Thunder; Sunday, May 5 *
* = If necessary
(2) Denver vs. (7) L.A. Lakers
Ӣ Game 1: Nuggets vs. Lakers; Saturday, April 20
Ӣ Game 2:Nuggets vs. Lakers; Monday, April 22
Ӣ Game 3: Nuggets vs. Lakers; Thursday, April 25
Ӣ Game 4: Nuggets vs. Lakers; Saturday, April 27
Ӣ Game 5: Lakers vs. Nuggets; Monday, April 29 *
Ӣ Game 6: Nuggets vs. Lakers; Thursday, May 2 *
Ӣ Game 7: Lakers vs. Nuggets; Saturday, May 4 *
* = If necessary
Minnesota vs. Phoenix
Ӣ Game 1: Timberwolves vs Suns; Saturday, April 20
Ӣ Game 2: Suns vs. Timberwolves; Tuesday, April 23
Ӣ Game 3: Timberwolves vs. Suns; Friday, April 26
Ӣ Game 4: Timberwolves vs. Suns; Sunday, April 28
Ӣ Game 5: Suns vs. Timberwolves; Tuesday, April 30 *
Ӣ Game 6: Timberwolves vs. Suns; Thursday, May 2 *
Ӣ Game 7: Suns vs. Timberwolves; Saturday, May 4 *
* = If necessary
LA Clippers vs. Dallas
Ӣ Game 1: Clippers vs. Mavericks; Sunday, April 21:
Ӣ Game 2: Mavericks vs. Clippers; Tuesday, April 23
Ӣ Game 3: Clippers vs. Mavericks; Friday, April 26
Ӣ Game 4: Clippers vs. Mavericks; Sunday, April 28
Ӣ Game 5: Mavericks vs. Clippers; Wednesday, May 1 *
Ӣ Game 6: Clippers vs. Mavericks; Friday, May 3 *
Ӣ Game 7: Mavericks vs. Clippers; Sunday, May 5 *
* = If necessary
How does the NBA Playoffs bracket work?
With NBA Playoffs, both East and West Conference conduct the matches in a traditional form of best-of-seven rounds. A series is played in the 2-2-1-1-1 format, meaning that a team with home-court advantage will host Games 1, 2, 5, and 7, while the opponent will host Games 3, 4, and 6. Games 5, 6, and 7 will be played if needed.
The format has been in the play since 2014, after a unanimous vote to change the format from the earlier 2-3-2 format. Once the Playoffs begin, teams participating are not "re-seeded". They are already selected on the basis of the results of the Regular season and the Play-in series after that.
When do the NBA Playoffs 2024 begin?
NBA Playoffs 2024 officially began on April 20, 2024, after the regular season ended on April 14, 2024.
What is the Playoff Format for 2024?
8 Teams will be divided into smaller groups of 2 each in the Eastern and Western Conferences, respectively. Here's how the Playoffs will actually work this year: (NOTE: All data presented is latest as of April 30, 2024)
In the West, we have the LA Lakers and Denver Nuggets in a group, with the Nuggets making it to the next round of Playoffs.
Then, its the Timberwolves and the Suns in another group, with the T-Wolves making it to the next round. Then we will have the LA Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks, with nobody making it to the next series as of today, since they are still contesting to make it to the next round. And lastly, we have the OKC Thunder and the Pelicans competing against each other, with OKC making it to the next round.
Similarly, on the Eastern side, we will have one team making it to the next Playoffs round from each of the following:
- Boston Celtics and Miami Heat in one group.
- New York Knicks and 76ers in one group.
- Bucks and Pacers in one group.
- Cavaliers and Magic in one group.
One team from each of the above-presented groups will make it to Round 2.
Coming back to the Western Conference, in round 2, OKC Thunder will clash against one team winning from LA Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks (once a winner is determined in round 1). Then the Nuggets and Timberwolves will be clashing against each other to go ahead. Then the two winners from this round will clash against each other in the Conference Finals to make it to the Finals.
Similarly, on the Eastern side, we will have 4 teams of the following 8 making it to the next round.
- Boston Celtics and Miami Heat
- New York Knicks and 76ers
- Bucks and Pacers
- Cavaliers and Magic
Then, once the four teams are determined, they will be divided again in groups of 2, clashing against each other in the Conference Finals, with the best team finally making it to the Finals.
How many teams make it to the NBA playoffs 2024?
16 teams in total will make it to the NBA Playoffs 2024, like every year. There will be 8 teams coming from the Eastern Conference and then 8 from the Western Conference. The top 6 seeds in both Eastern and Western Conference advance to the Playoffs after making it through the regular season. The final 2 seeds, Seed 7 and Seed 8 from each of the conferences will be determined through the Play-In Tournament.
Currently, this is how the standings look like:
https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1784829998404075692?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1784829998404075692%7Ctwgr%5Edf9e3abedb01510c4554a34f416e69b010a73865%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcsports.com%2Fnba%2Fnews%2F2024-nba-playoffs-bracket-schedule-matchups-and-scores-for-first-round
NBA Playoffs 2024 Round 2
In the second round, we will have the best-of-7 format once again, with the higher-seeded team hosting Games 1, 2, 5, and 7.
NBA Playoffs 2024 Round 2 Schedule
So far, this is what the second round (Conference Semifinals) schedule looks like:
No. 2 Denver Nuggets vs. No. 3 Minnesota Timberwolves
- Game 1: Wolves at Nuggets, May 4
- Game 2: Wolves at Nuggets, May 6
- Game 3: Nuggets at Wolves, May 10
- Game 4: Nuggets at Wolves, May 12
- Game 5*: Wolves at Nuggets, May 14
- Game 6*: Nuggets at Wolves, May 16
- Game 7*: Wolves at Nuggets, May 19
When do the NBA conference semifinals start?
The 2024 NBA conference semifinals begin on May 6-7, but the dates can be pre-poned to May 4-5, if the Playoffs end early.
When do the NBA conference finals start?
The 2024 NBA conference semifinals begin on May 21-22, but the dates can be pre-poned to May 19-20, if the Playoffs end early.
When do the NBA Finals start?
The NBA Finals begin on June 6, matching up the best teams from the Eastern and Western Conference Finals. The Finals can end anytime between June 14 through June 23, depending on how long the series lasts.