The 2022 NBA Play-in Tournament Schedule, match-ups and times
In its second year running the play-in tournament gets underway with a showdown between the Nets and the Cavs on Tuesday night!
With no games scheduled for Wednesday, April 11th, we take a look at the schedule, match-ups and times for the play in tournament which begins tomorrow Tuesday, April 12th.
Who are the teams in the NBA play-in tournament?
The 2022 NBA postseason has arrived and for the second year in a row, fans will be treated to a play-in tournament comprising of 8 teams - four from both conferences - who will battle for the the Nos. 7 and 8 seeds. In the Western conference we’ve got the Minnesota Timberwolves (7), Los Angeles Clippers (8), New Orleans Pelicans (9) and San Antonio Spurs (10). While On the other side of the divide, the Eastern Conference has given us the Brooklyn Nets (7), Cleveland Cavaliers (8), Atlanta Hawks (9) and the Charlotte Hornets (10).
How does the play-in tournament work?
With the last two spots up for grabs in other conference, here is how the format functions. To begin with No. 7 plays against No. 8 and No. 9 logically plays against No. 10. The winner of the 7-8 game claims the No. 7 seed, but interestingly the loser doesn’t automatically go out. In fact the team that loses actually awaits the winner of the clash between 9-10. What that means is that the Nos. 7 and 8 seeds are actually afforded two swipes at the cherry, while the Nos. 9 and 10 seeds literally have no wiggle room as they have to win two consecutive games to enter the playoffs. Indeed, one loss and its out the door.
What is the play-in tournament schedule?
Tuesday, April 12
Eastern Conference: Cleveland Cavaliers (8) @ Brooklyn Nets (7) - 7 p.m. ET
Western Conference: Los Angeles Clippers (8) @ Minnesota Timberwolves (7) - 9:30 p.m. ET
Wednesday, April 13
Eastern Conference: Charlotte Hornets (10) @ Atlanta Hawks (9) - 7 ET p.m.
Western Conference: San Antonio Spurs (10) @ New Orleans Pelicans (9) - 9:30 p.m. ET
Friday, April 15
Eastern Conference: Winner of Charlotte/Atlanta vs. loser of Cleveland/Brooklyn - TBD
West: Winner of San Antonio/New Orleans vs. loser of Los Angeles/Minnesota - TBD
Stay with AS for live coverage!
As is always the case be sure to check in with us here as we will be bringing you live text coverage of all the action as it unfolds, as we close in on the start of the 2022 NBA Playoffs!