How Many Teams Make The Playoffs In The NBA?
How Many Teams Make The Playoffs In The NBA? The answer may surprise you!
The NBA Playoff Format
The NBA playoff format is a best-of-seven series between the eight best teams in each conference. The conference semifinals are between the first four seeds in each conference, while the conference finals are between the two remaining teams. The NBA Finals is the championship series of the NBA and is between the two conference champions.
The NBA playoff format has changed multiple times throughout the years
The NBA playoff format has changed multiple times throughout the years, with the most recent change being implemented in 2016. Under the current system, the top eight teams in each conference (based on their regular season record) qualify for the playoffs. The conference quarterfinals and semifinals are played in a best-of-seven format, while the conference finals and NBA Finals are played in a best-of-seven format.
The current playoff format includes 8 teams from each conference
In the current playoff format, 8 teams from each conference qualify for the playoffs. The top seed in each conference gets a bye to the second round. The first round is a best-of-7 series featuring seeds 2-7 in each conference. The semifinals and finals are also best-of-7 series and are played between the two conference champions.
How Many Teams Make The Playoffs?
The NBA playoffs are a best-of-seven elimination tournament annual held after the NBA’s regular season to determine the league’s champion. Eight teams from each of the two conferences qualify for the playoffs.
In the past, as many as 16 teams have made the playoffs
The number of teams that make the playoffs in the NBA has varied throughout the years. In the past, as many as 16 teams have made the playoffs, but since 1984, only 8 teams from each conference (a total of 16 teams league-wide) have been making it to the postseason.
In the current format, 8 teams from each conference make the playoffs
In the current format, 8 teams from each conference make the playoffs. The team with the best record in each conference is awarded the #1 seed and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. The remaining playoff spots are filled by the next 6 best teams in each conference, regardless of divisional placement.
Why The Change?
In the 2019-2020 NBA season, there will be a change to how many teams make the playoffs. Instead of the standard 8 teams making it from each conference, now it will be the top 7 seeds from each conference. This is a change that was first proposed back in 2017, and it has finally been approved and implemented. So why the change?
The change was made to create more parity in the league
In recent years, it has seemed like the same teams are always making the playoffs in the NBA. In order to create more parity and make it so that more teams have a chance to make the playoffs, the league made a change to the playoff format. Now, instead of the top 8 teams in each conference making the playoffs, the top 7 teams in each conference will make it. This means that there is one less spot for teams in each conference, which will hopefully make it so that more teams have a chance to compete for a spot in the playoffs.
The change was made to create more excitement during the regular season
The change to the NBA playoff format was made in an effort to create more excitement during the regular season. This change means that there will be more teams vying for a spot in the playoffs, and the race to the finish line will be much more competitive. This should make for a more exciting and entertaining product on the court.
