NBA Playoffs
First implemented in 1984, the NBA Playoffs’ current format involves 16 teams competing in four rounds. The first round was best-of-five until 2003 when it became a best-of-seven matchup. Since the 2016 playoffs, the top six teams in the Eastern and Western Conferences qualify according to their win-loss records.
The coronavirus pandemic changed how teams qualify for the NBA Playoffs as the league managed two shortened seasons. Now, the play-in tournament grants two teams with playoff seeds No. 7 and No. 8 employing a four-team, three-game format.
- Number of participating teams: 16
- Rounds: four
- Format: best of seven games
- Most NBA Playoff appearances: Los Angeles Lakers (63)
- Least NBA Playoff appearances: New Orleans Pelicans (7)
- Longest NBA Playoff drought: Sacramento Kings (last appearance: 2005-06)
- Longest active NBA Playoff appearance streak: Portland Trail Blazers (8 consecutive playoffs since 2013-14)
- Longest NBA Playoff streak ever: San Antonio Spurs and Philadelphia 76ers (22 consecutive seasons)
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Visit NBA.com‘s NBA Playoffs section.
Read the latest articles about the NBA Playoffs:
The top four seeds made the Eastern Conference semifinals in the NBA playoffs, and keeping the postseason going is crucial for all of them.
Despite the ups and downs of the regular season, the Boston Celtics might be the team to beat in the Eastern Conference in the NBA playoffs.
Let’s look at the star power, coaching, and depth in the Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics second-round series as we predict a winner.
Let’s look at the NBA playoffs second-round series between the Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers to determine a winner.
The Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets know each other well, but how do they match up in their second-round NBA playoffs series?
Based on the number of points scored, these are the 10 best offensive performances in the long history of the NBA playoffs.
Who has the edge in the Eastern Conference semifinals between the Toronto Raptors and Philadelphia 76ers? Let’s take a look at the matchup.
Steph Curry needed just one playpff game in 2019 to set a new postseaeson record that has his name above several Hall of Fame players.
DeMarcus Cousins was the best center the Warriors have had during their dynasty. How will his injury impact Golden State moving forward?
Let’s take a look at the five players who had the best individual offensive performances in the NBA playoffs since 2000.
