2024 NBA Playoff Bracket: Seedings, Matchups and Schedule
By Sascha Paruk
Updated:
2024 NBA Playoff Picture
| Seed | Eastern Conference | Seed | Western Conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boston Celtics | 1 | |
| 2 | 2 | ||
| 3 | 3 | ||
| 4 | 4 | ||
| 5 | 5 | Dallas Mavericks | |
| 6 | 6 | ||
| 7 | 7 | ||
| 8 | 8 | ||
| 9 | 9 | ||
| 10 | 10 |
Remaining 2024 NBA playoff seeds as of May 19, 2024.
2024 NBA Playoffs Schedule
| Round | Start Dates |
|---|---|
| Play-In Tournament | April 16 |
| First Round | April 20 |
| Conference Semifinals | May 4 |
| Conference Finals | May 21 |
| 2024 NBA Finals | June 6 |
When Do the 2024 NBA Playoffs Start?
The Play-In Tournament runs over four days, from April 16 to 19. The first round gets underway on April 20 and will likely run until the first weekend of May. While the first round and NBA Finals start dates are set in stone, the second-round and conference finals start dates will hinge upon how long the series in the previous round last.
How Does the NBA Playoff Bracket Work?
For the fifth straight season, the NBA will continue with the Play-In Tournament for the 7-10 seeds in each conference before commencing the traditional 16-team playoff format.
Following the Play-In Tournament, the playoffs will continue with a traditional playoff bracket: eight teams from each of the Eastern and Western Conference competing in a postseason of four rounds comprised of seven-game series. The opening round matchups are 1-vs-8, 2-vs-7, 3-vs-6 and 4-vs-5. The NBA does not re-seed if upsets occur. The bracket is fixed. So the winner of the 1-vs-8 matchup in the East will play the winner of the 4-vs-5 matchup no matter who wins each matchup.
How Does the NBA Play-In Tournament Work?
In the Play-In Tournament, the #7 and #8 seed in each conference will each have two opportunities to win one game to earn a playoff spot. The #9 and #10 seed in each conference will each have to win two consecutive games to earn a playoff spot.
The #7 team in each conference hosts the #8 team, with the winner receiving the seventh seed. The winner of the #9 vs #10 game will then face the loser of the 7-8 game, with the winner of that game earning the #8 seed in the final bracket.
BETMGM SPORTSBOOKUSE CODE SBD1500 TO GET UP TO $1,500 PAID BACK
BET365 SPORTSBOOKBET $5 & GET $150 IN BONUS BETS WITH CODE DIME365
THESCORE BET SPORTSBOOKUSE CODE DIME TO GET 100% BET RESET UP TO $1,000
DRAFTKINGS SPORTSBOOKBET $5 & GET $200 IN BONUS BETS IF YOUR BET WINS
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOKBET $5 & GET $100 IF YOUR BET WINS
CAESARS SPORTSBOOKUSE CODE SBD250BM & GET A BET MATCH ON YOUR FIRST BET UP TO $250!
FANATICS SPORTSBOOKGET 100% BET MATCH UP TO $100 FOR 10 DAYS
DRAFTKINGS T&Cs: GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-522-4700, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Bet must settle by and Token expires 3/15/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 3/8/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
BET365 SPORTSBOOK T&Cs: Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 or greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply.
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK T&Cs: Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US), Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. This promotional offer is not available in DC, MS, NY, NV, ON, or PR.
Managing Editor
Sascha has been working in the sports-betting industry since 2014, and quickly paired his strong writing skills with a burgeoning knowledge of probability and statistics. He holds an undergraduate degree in linguistics and a Juris Doctor from the University of British Columbia.
