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2026 NBA playoffs schedule: Game times, key dates as bracket gets finalized
TL;DR
The 2025-26 NBA regular season ends on Sunday, finalizing playoff matchups. Key seeds in the West include the Thunder and Spurs at Nos. 1 and 2, while the East's 5-10 seeds will be determined on the same day.
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The 2025-26 NBA regular season draws to a close on Sunday with every team in action one last time. Here is a look at where everything stands and all the seeding scenarios still at stake. At the conclusion of Sunday's games, we will know two of the four first-round series matchups in each conference (3 vs. 6 and 4 vs. 5), as well as the first four play-in games.
In the West, six of the 10 postseason seeds are set: the Thunder and Spurs will be Nos. 1 and 2. The Rockets are the fifth seed, the Wolves are the sixth seed, and the Suns (No. 7) and Warriors (No. 10) are on opposite ends of the Play-In Tournament.
In the East, Charlotte and Miami are locked into the 9-10 game, but can flip positions. The No. 5-10 seeds all will be sorted on Sunday, and the Raptors, Magic and 76ers are fighting for the final top-six playoff spot.
Below is a look at what we know about the postseason schedule so far, with play-in games set to begin on Tuesday. The Play-In Tournament runs through Friday, with the playoffs beginning on Saturday.
This post will be updated as dates and times are revealed.
Play-In Tournament schedule
Tuesday, April 14
- East No. 7 vs. East No. 8, 7:30 p.m. ET, Prime -- Winner gets East No. 7 seed
- Suns vs. Trail Blazers/Clippers, 10 p.m. ET, Prime -- Winner gets West No. 7 seed
Wednesday, April 15
- Hornets vs. Heat, 7:30 p.m. ET, Prime -- Loser is eliminated from postseason
- Trail Blazers/Clippers vs. Warriors, 10 p.m. ET, Prime -- Loser is eliminated from postseason
Friday, April 17
- TBD vs. TBD, 7:30 p.m. ET, Prime -- Winner gets East No. 8 seed, loser is eliminated from postseason
- TBD vs. TBD, 10 p.m. ET, Prime -- Winner gets West No. 8 seed, loser is eliminated from postseason
2026 NBA playoffs schedule
Saturday, April 18
- Four first-round playoff games (times and matchups TBD)
Sunday, April 19
- Four first-round playoff games (times and matchups TBD)
The rest of the first-round schedule will be released in the coming days.
2026 NBA playoffs key dates
Q&A
What are the finalized playoff matchups for the 2026 NBA playoffs?
The finalized matchups will be determined after the last regular season games on Sunday, with key matchups including the 3 vs. 6 and 4 vs. 5 series in each conference.
Which teams are guaranteed playoff spots in the Western Conference for the 2026 NBA playoffs?
In the Western Conference, the Thunder and Spurs have secured the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds, respectively, while the Rockets, Wolves, Suns, and Warriors are also in playoff contention.
How will the 5-10 seeds be decided in the Eastern Conference for the 2026 NBA playoffs?
The 5-10 seeds in the Eastern Conference will be sorted on Sunday, with the Raptors, Magic, and 76ers competing for the final top-six playoff spot.
