NBA playoffs: how they work
Kabayan, after 82 regular-season games come the NBA playoffs. Sixteen teams play four rounds of best-of-seven series, eight from each conference, ending in the NBA Finals. People search it every way, from “playoff NBA” to “playofs NBA”, but the format is the same.
| Stage | Who plays |
|---|---|
| Play-In tournament | Seeds 7–10 in each conference, for the last two playoff places |
| First round | 8 series, best of seven |
| Conference semifinals | 4 series |
| Conference finals | 2 series |
| NBA Finals | East vs West champion |
NBA Play-In explained
The NBA play in (officially the Play-In tournament) decides seeds 7 and 8. In the play in tournament NBA format, 7th hosts 8th, and the winner becomes the 7th seed. 9th hosts 10th, and the loser is out. The loser of 7 vs 8 then hosts the winner of 9 vs 10 for the 8th seed. These are single games, not series. Check the conference lines on our NBA standings page.
Where to buy NBA playoff tickets
Buy from the team’s official ticket page or NBATickets.com. The NBA ticket FAQ links team sales and authorised resale. Don’t trust a stranger’s screenshot or a page using a team logo. A ticket is entry to the arena, not a stream; for watching, see NBA League Pass.
Game 3 vs Home Game 3
Ticket labels can use series game numbers or home game numbers. In a 2-2-1-1-1 series:
| Host | Home game | Series game |
|---|---|---|
| Home-court team | 1st, 2nd | Games 1, 2 |
| Other team | 1st, 2nd | Games 3, 4 |
| Home-court team | 3rd (if needed) | Game 5 |
| Other team | 3rd (if needed) | Game 6 |
| Home-court team | 4th (if needed) | Game 7 |
“Home Game 3” for the home-court team is series Game 5. Kapag bibili kasama ang barkada, ibigay ang buong pangalan ng event, round at arena.
“If necessary” games
A series ends at four wins, so Games 5, 6 and 7 may never happen. Ticketmaster’s Canadian help page says refunds are issued for playoff games not played because a series ended early, but each seller has its own policy. Read the terms for your purchase before paying.
Travelling from the Philippines
Playoff dates and matchups are confirmed late, sometimes only days before. Filipino visitors to the US generally need a visitor visa; check the US Department of State’s visitor-visa page early. Don’t book non-refundable flights for a game that might not be played.
Playoff odds (21+)
If you’re 21 or older, see our NBA odds guide for series and futures markets, and our 1xBet review. Set a budget and read our responsible gambling page.
Quick answers
How many teams make the NBA playoffs?
16: the top 6 in each conference plus 2 from each Play-In.
Is the NBA Play-In a series?
No. Play-In games are single games.
Tara, abangan ang playoffs. Laban, Pinoy fan!