2025 SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament: Everything to Know
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| The SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament features the Nos. 7-10 teams in each conference battling for the 7th and 8th playoff seeds. |
This dynamic competition provides teams ranked 7th through 10th in each conference with a last-chance opportunity to secure one of the final two postseason spots. Since its introduction in 2020, the Play-In Tournament has intensified late-season battles and created thrilling, win-or-go-home scenarios for fans to enjoy.
Read more: 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament, Playoffs And Finals Schedule
What is the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament?
The SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament is contested between the teams that finish Nos. 7-10 in each conference and determines the teams that fill the seventh and eighth playoff seeds in each conference for the 2025 NBA Playoffs. The tournament takes place after the regular season concludes and before the first round of the NBA Playoffs begins.
When is the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament?
The tournament will be held from April 15-18, 2025, following the conclusion of the regular season on April 13 and before the NBA Playoffs tip off on April 19.
How Does the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament Work?
While the teams that finish Nos. 1-6 in the standings of each conference are guaranteed a playoff spot, the teams that finish Nos. 7-10 will enter the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament. These teams will battle for the seventh and eighth playoff seeds.
Tournament Structure
Game 1: The No. 7 team hosts the No. 8 team. The winner secures the No. 7 seed in the playoffs. The loser gets another chance to qualify.
Game 2: The No. 9 team hosts the No. 10 team. The winner advances to the final stage of the Play-In Tournament. The loser is eliminated.
Game 3: The loser of the No. 7 vs. No. 8 game hosts the winner of the No. 9 vs. No. 10 game. The winner secures the No. 8 seed in the NBA Playoffs. The losing team is eliminated.
This high-stakes format ensures every game carries significant implications, adding pressure and drama for teams and their fanbases.
Projected Play-In Teams (As of March 2025)
While standings are subject to change, current projections suggest the following teams may participate in the 2025 Play-In Tournament:
Eastern Conference
(7) Atlanta Hawks vs. (8) Orlando Magic
(9) Miami Heat vs. (10) Chicago Bulls
Western Conference
(7) Minnesota Timberwolves vs. (8) LA Clippers
(9) Sacramento Kings vs. (10) Dallas Mavericks
Each matchup presents intriguing storylines, including young stars aiming for their first deep playoff run and seasoned veterans fighting to extend their seasons.
Key Players to Watch
Several superstars and rising talents will take center stage in the Play-In Tournament. Some of the top players to keep an eye on include:
• Trae Young (Hawks): The electrifying guard has a history of thriving in big moments.
• Paolo Banchero (Magic): The reigning Rookie of the Year looks to lead Orlando to postseason success.
• Jimmy Butler (Heat): Playoff Jimmy is always a threat in elimination games.
• Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves): The young star continues his ascent as a premier scorer.
• Kawhi Leonard (Clippers): If healthy, he can be the difference-maker in crucial moments.
Impact on the NBA Playoffs
The winners of the Play-In Tournament will join the top six teams from each conference in the playoffs. The 7th and 8th seeds often face steep challenges, as they match up against the conference’s top two teams in the first round. However, history has shown that Play-In teams can be dangerous—such as the 2023 Miami Heat, who reached the NBA Finals after emerging from the Play-In Tournament.
How to Watch the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament
TNT and ESPN will combine to televise all six games of the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament. The exact game and broadcast schedule will be announced when finalized.
When Do the NBA Playoffs Begin?
Below are the key dates for the 2025 NBA Playoffs:
April 13: NBA Regular Season ends
April 15-18: SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament
April 19: NBA Playoffs 2025 begin
May 5-6: Conference Semifinals begin (possible move up to May 3-4)
May 20: Western Conference Finals – Game 1 on ESPN, 8:30 p.m. ET (possible series move up to May 18)
May 21: Eastern Conference Finals – Game 1 on TNT, 8 p.m. ET (possible series move up to May 19)
June 5: NBA Finals 2025 presented by YouTube TV – Game 1 on ABC
June 8: NBA Finals 2025 presented by YouTube TV – Game 2 on ABC
June 11: NBA Finals 2025 presented by YouTube TV – Game 3 on ABC
June 13: NBA Finals 2025 presented by YouTube TV – Game 4 on ABC
June 16: NBA Finals 2025 presented by YouTube TV – Game 5 on ABC (if necessary)
June 19: NBA Finals 2025 presented by YouTube TV – Game 6 on ABC (if necessary)
June 22: NBA Finals 2025 presented by YouTube TV – Game 7 on ABC (if necessary)
Final Thoughts
As the final stretch of the regular season unfolds, expect intense battles for seeding, as teams aim to secure a postseason spot or avoid the Play-In altogether. With a mix of young stars, veteran leaders, and unpredictable matchups, the 2025 SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament promises high drama and must-watch basketball.
Stay tuned as the race for the NBA Championship officially begins!
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