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How Many Teams Make The NBA Playoffs 2024?

However, for those who are new to the sport or just curious, a burning question may arise: "How many teams make the NBA playoffs?" So, keep reading the article to know the answer to your question.

How Many Teams Make The NBA Playoffs 2024?

David Mitchell

Oct 09, 2024

How Does NBA Playoff Work? (Updated for 2024)

The NBA playoff system still consists of 16 teams, but since 2021, a play-in tournamenthas been added to determine the final two seeds (7th and 8th) for each conference. The top six teams in both the Easternand Western Conferencesautomatically qualify, while teams ranked 7th to 10th in each conference compete in a play-in tournament. The winner of this mini-tournament fills the final two spots for the playoffs​(

The structure remains the same, with teams competing in a best-of-seven series in each round. The playoffs are divided into the following stages:

  • First Round: Top-seeded teams face the lowest seeds.
  • Conference Semifinals.
  • Conference Finals.
  • NBA Finals, where the two conference champions play for the championship​.

How Many Teams Make the NBA Playoffs in 2024?

The 2024 NBA playoffs will feature 16 teams in total, 8 from each conference. However, as mentioned, the final two seeds (7th and 8th) for each conference are now decided by the play-in tournament, which includes the teams ranked 7th to 10th​(

How Many Wins Do You Need To Make The NBA Playoffs?

The number of wins required to qualify for the playoffs varies yearly, depending on the competitive balance of the conference. Historically, teams often need 45-50 winsto secure a playoff spot. However, with the play-in tournament, teams that finish with slightly fewer wins, often in the 42-44 range, can still earn a spot by performing well in the play-in games​(

How Do You Qualify for the NBA Playoffs?

To qualify for the 2024 NBA playoffs, a team must either finish in the top sixof their conference or succeed in the play-in tournament. Teams ranked 7th to 10thin the regular season standings participate in this tournament, which offers a second chance for lower-ranked teams to earn a playoff spot​(

Importance of Defense in the NBA Playoffs

Defense remains a crucial factor in the 2024 playoffs, as teams must consistently stop high-level offensive opponents. The intensity and pace of the playoffs demand defensive strategies that can neutralize star playersand limit scoring, making it a pivotal aspect for any team aiming to win a championship.

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