Timberwolves Talk: NBA Play-In Tournament and NBA Playoffs
By Bret Stuter
Seventh seed in NBA Playoffs
In the NBA Play-In Tournament, only two teams compete for the seventh seed in the NBA Playoffs. The seventh-seeded team from the regular season hosts the eighth-seeded team from the regular season. The winner of that single game will assume the seventh seed in the NBA Playoffs, and go on to face the second-seeded team.
The loser will prepare to host the winner of the ninth seed versus the tenth seed.
This game will be played for both the NBA Eastern Conference and NBA Western Conference on Tuesday, April 11, 2023. This game is considered Game 1 of the NBA Play-In Tournament.
What about the eighth seed in the NBA Playoffs?
The ninth-seeded team from the regular season will host the tenth-seeded team from the season. The loser of that game is eliminated, and will no longer compete for an NBA Playoff berth.
This game will be played for both the NBA Eastern Conference and NBA Western Conference on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. This game is considered Game 2 of the NBA Play-In Tournament.
The winner of that contest must now travel to face the loser of the seventh versus eighth seed bracket. The loser of that game is eliminated, and will also no longer compete for an NBA Playoff berth. The winner of that second NBA Play-In Tournament will earn the eighth seed in the NBA Playoffs and will face the first-seeded team.
This game will be played for both the NBA Eastern Conference and NBA Western Conference on Friday, April 14, 2023. This game is considered Game 3 of the NBA Play-In Tournament.
Since the seeding for NBA Eastern Conference teams is already set, we know that the Atlanta Hawks (8th seed) will travel to face the Miami Heat (7th seed) on Tuesday, April 11, at either 6 or 6:30 pm CT.
Likewise, we know that the Chicago Bulls (10th seed) will face the Toronto Raptors (9th seed) on Wednesday, April 12, at either 6 or 6:30 pm CT. The winner of this game will then travel to face the loser of the Hawks vs. Heat game on Friday, April 14.