What if nba playoffs

These comments echoed what we'd previously heard from Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic , who took aim at the NBA 's format change for the playoffs this season.

I don't see the point of that. While some of the league's stars are clearly not on board with the change in format, we won't be getting into any of the arguments against the play-in tournament here.

Instead, let's take a closer look at just what exactly this tournament is, how it works and which teams are involved. The play-in tournament is a new -- and hopefully exciting -- way for the league to determine the eight playoff teams from each conference. A version of the idea was implemented last summer during the restart in the bubble, but this season will be the first time the full play-in tournament is in use. It could also be the last. As it stands, the idea was only approved by the league's Board of Governors for this season.

Assuming there are no major problems it will likely remain in place moving forward, but that is not a guarantee as of now.

There are eight teams involved in the play-in tournament, four per conference. Here are the seedings and matchups :.

Before the implementation of the play-in tournament, the top eight seeds in each conference would make the playoffs when the regular season ended. Division winner this criterion is applied regardless of whether the tied teams are in the same division 3. Higher winning percentage within division if teams are in the same division 4. Higher winning percentage in conference games 5. Higher winning percentage against playoff teams in own conference 6.

Higher winning percentage against playoff teams in opposite conference 7. Higher point differential between points scored and points allowed Three-Team Tiebreaker: 1. Scenarios Information Updated Daily Go to our home page and start exploring- www. When do the NBA playoffs start? The playoffs will start after both the regular season and the play-in tournament. The play-in tournament starts two days later on Tuesday, April 12 and concludes Friday, April The playoffs start next next day on Saturday, April All first games of the 8 first round matchups will be played either April 16 or How many teams make the playoff?

Twenty of the 30 league teams make either the play-in tournament or the playoffs.