NBA Play‑In Tournament Kicks Off April 14, Playoffs Begin April 18

The NBA’s postseason calendar is set. The SoFi NBA Play‑In Tournament opens on April 14 and runs through April 17, determining the final seeds for the 2026 playoffs. Winners of the four Play‑In games will join the top six teams in each conference when the first round of the NBA Playoffs tips off on April 18.

New “Chasing History” Docuseries

In tandem with the on‑court action, the league launches a new multi‑part series, Chasing History, on April 11 via NBA TV and the NBA App. Narrated by Jamal Crawford, the show offers behind‑the‑scenes looks at each conference’s path to the postseason, with episode releases aligned to each round and a game‑by‑game “minimovie” format for the Finals.

What to Watch

• The Play‑In matchups will decide whether the 7th‑seeded teams clinch a spot or fall to the 10th‑seeded challengers.
• Early-round upsets are likely, as the condensed schedule rewards depth and defensive versatility.
• Chasing History promises exclusive locker‑room access and strategic insights that could shape viewers’ understanding of the playoff race.

Fans can follow real‑time bracket updates and standings on NBA.com as the league moves from the regular season’s final two games into the high‑stakes postseason.