The NBA has officially released the schedule for the 2025 Play-In Tournament, setting the stage for an intense battle for the final playoff spots. The tournament will begin on April 15 and conclude on April 18, determining the No. 7 and No. 8 seeds in both conferences.
The action starts with the 7 vs. 8 matchups on April 15, where the winners will secure the No. 7 seed in their respective conferences. The following night, the 9 vs. 10 games will take place, with the losers being eliminated and the winners advancing to the final play-in round.
On April 18, the winners of the 9 vs. 10 games will face the losers of the 7 vs. 8 matchups, with the final two playoff spots on the line. The victorious teams will officially claim the No. 8 seeds and prepare for their first-round playoff series beginning on April 20.
As of now, the Orlando Magic (37-40) and Atlanta Hawks (36-40) hold the 7th and 8th spots in the Eastern Conference, meaning they would face off if the season ended today. However, with only a half-game difference between them, their positioning could still change.
The Miami Heat (35-41) and Chicago Bulls (34-42) are in the 9th and 10th spots, clinging to the final Play-In Tournament berths.
At the top of the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers (61-15) and Boston Celtics (56-20) have secured home-court advantage, but they still await the final Play-In results to know their first-round opponents.
Out West, the Minnesota Timberwolves (44-32) and Los Angeles Clippers (43-32) currently hold the 7th and 8th seeds, with only a half-game separating them.
The Dallas Mavericks (38-39) and Sacramento Kings (36-40) occupy the 9th and 10th seeds, making their final games crucial for keeping their postseason hopes alive. The Phoenix Suns (35-41) are just outside the picture, trailing Sacramento by one game. The Portland Trail Blazers (33-43) and San Antonio Spurs (32-44) are still in contention mathematically.
Meanwhile, at the top of the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder (64-12) and Houston Rockets (50-27) have secured their playoff spots and will watch closely as the Play-In unfolds.
