There is an added level of intrigue this year with the league implementing a new version of the play-in tournament, which was first seen inside the Florida “bubble” amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of the traditional eight-team fields in each conference, a total of 20 teams will participate in the postseason.
MORE: Latest standings | Daily NBA schedule
With multiple contenders battling for playoff positioning, the final stretch of the regular season should provide plenty of entertainment.
Here’s a snapshot of the current NBA playoff picture, including the full standings for each conference.
NBA standings 2021: Eastern Conference
*clinched playoff berth **clinched play-in berth Eliminated from playoff contention: Bulls, Cavaliers, Magic, Pistons, Raptors
NBA standings 2021: Western Conference
*clinched playoff berth **clinched play-in berthEliminated from playoff contention: Kings, Pelicans, Rockets, Thunder, Timberwolves
How does the NBA play-in tournament work?
The play-in tournament will be held after the conclusion of the 2020-21 regular season and before the start of the first round of the 2021 NBA playoffs. The teams that finish Nos. 1-6 in the standings of each conference will be guaranteed playoff spots. Teams Nos. 7-10 will enter the play-in tournament. Each conference’s Nos. 7 and 8 teams will face off, with the winner earning the No. 7 seed in the playoffs. The loser will still have one more opportunity to reach the playoffs. Each conference’s Nos. 9 and 10 teams will face off, with the winner advancing to play the loser of the No. 7-vs. -No. 8 game. The loser of the No. 9-vs. -No. 10 game will be eliminated from playoff contention. The loser of the No. 7-vs. -No. 8 game and the winner of the No. 9-vs. -No. 10 game will then play against each other. The winner of that game will be the No. 8 seed in the playoffs. The loser will be eliminated from playoff contention. Beyond the play-in tournament, the 2021 NBA playoffs will follow the typical format, with full best-of-seven series all the way through the NBA Finals.
NBA playoff picture: Seeding breakdowns
Eastern Conference
- 76ers2. Nets 3. Bucks4. Knicks 5. Hawks 6. Heat ———————————7. Celtics 8. Wizards 9. Pacers 10. Hornets
Western Conference
- Jazz 2. Suns 3. Nuggets 4. Clippers 5. Mavericks 6. Trail Blazers —————————7. Lakers8. Warriors 9. Grizzlies 10. Spurs
