2025 NBA Play-In Tournament guide: How it works, detailed schedule, TV channels, live streaming details, and more

The 2025 NBA Play-In Tournamentis set to tip off on April 15, deciding the final playoff spots in each conference. With high-stakes matchups in the making, here’s everything you need to know about the games, including schedules, TV channels, live streams, and updated standings.

The 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament features teams ranked 7th to 10th in each conference. The top six teams automatically qualify for the playoffs, while the remaining four battle for the last two spots.
- Game 1 (April 15): No. 7 vs. No. 8 – Winner earns the 7th seed.
- Game 2 (April 16): No. 9 vs. No. 10 – Loser is eliminated.
- Game 3 (April 18): Loser of Game 1 faces winner of Game 2 – Winner takes the 8th seed.
The tournament has produced surprises before where underperforming teams have reached the NBA Finals after starting in the play-in. Could another underdog emerge this year?

Below are the matchups, times, and broadcasting details for every game:

The playoffs begin on April 19, with the bracket finalized after the play-in concludes.

Fans can catch all the action on ESPN and TNT. For cord-cutters, Sling offers live streaming with access to both networks.
- TV Channels: ESPN, TNT
- Live Stream: (includes ESPN, TNT, and other sports channels)
- Radio: (free for the first four months)


Once the play-in tournament wraps up, the playoffs will begin with these confirmed matchups:
Eastern Conference
- (1) Cavaliers vs. (8) TBD
- (4) Pacers vs. (5) Bucks
- (3) Knicks vs. (6) Pistons
- (2) Celtics vs. (7) TBD
Western Conference
- (1) Thunder vs. (8) TBD
- (4) Nuggets vs. (5) Clippers
- (3) Lakers vs. (6) Timberwolves
- (2) Rockets vs. (7) TBD





(Note: *Clinched playoff spot | **Clinched play-in spot)
Eliminated teams include the Raptors, Nets, Suns, and Jazz, among others.

With the Warriors, Grizzlies, Heat, and Mavericks fighting for survival, the tournament promises intense battles. The Magic and Hawks clash in the East, while the Warriors and Grizzlies renew their rivalry in the West.
Also read: Steve Kerr's costly gamble against the LA Clippers: The baffling decision that sent the Golden State Warriors crashing out of contention
Fans won’t want to miss a single game as the playoff picture takes shape. Tune in starting April 15 to see which teams secure their spots in the 2025 NBA playoffs.