How Teams Qualify
Eight teams from each conference qualify for the playoffs based on their regular season win-loss records. The top six teams in each conference automatically qualify, while the 7th through 10th ranked teams play in a play-in tournament to earn the final two playoff spots. This structure has been in place since 2021.
Seeding and First Round Matchups
Within each conference, teams are ranked 1 through 8 based on their records. The bracket is set up so the 1st seed plays the 8th seed, the 2nd seed plays the 7th seed, the 3rd seed plays the 6th seed, and the 4th seed plays the 5th seed. This means the best teams face the worst teams in the first round.
Series Format and Advancement
Each playoff matchup is a best-of-7 series, meaning the first team to win 4 games advances to the next round. Games are played at the higher seed's home court when necessary, and the schedule typically alternates between cities. After the first round, the four remaining teams in each conference move to the Conference Semifinals, then the Conference Finals.
Conference Finals and NBA Finals
The two Conference Finals determine each conference's champion. The Eastern Conference champion then plays the Western Conference champion in the NBA Finals, which is also a best-of-7 series. The winner of the Finals is crowned the NBA champion for that season.
Bracket Structure Timeline
The playoffs typically begin in April after the regular season ends in early April. The first round lasts about two weeks, followed by the Conference Semifinals, Conference Finals, and NBA Finals. The entire playoff tournament usually concludes by mid-June. 
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