The 2025 NBA season gave us one of the most intense and unpredictable finishes in recent years, and the Play-In format played a key role once again. Since its introduction, what started as a temporary experiment has become a real force that shapes the playoff picture and opens doors for new contenders.
The Play-In is now over, and it’s time to move beyond just explaining how it works. Now we can reflect on its results and ask the bigger question: how did this mini-tournament shake up the postseason and change the balance of power?
Experts at 1xBet have gathered the most important insights from the 2025 Play-In and how it is influencing the current playoffs.
What Is the Play-In? (Just in case)
The format was first introduced in 2020 and became a permanent part of the NBA postseason in 2021. It allows teams ranked 7th through 10th in each conference to fight for the final two playoff spots.
- The 7th and 8th seeds play each other. The winner takes the 7th spot.
- The 9th and 10th seeds also play. The winner then plays the loser of the 7 vs. 8 game for the final 8th spot.
This gives the 7th and 8th seeds two chances to qualify, while the 9th and 10th seeds must win twice in a row.
Play-In 2025 Results: Who Made It Through
Eastern Conference:
- Orlando Magic secured the 7th seed after a solid and disciplined performance. Their strong team play helped them lock in a playoff spot.
- Miami Heat, despite a shaky finish to the regular season, came through in classic Heat fashion – beating both the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks to grab the 8th seed. This is becoming their trademark: showing up when it counts.
Western Conference:
- Golden State Warriors proved they still have the fight. Their victory over the Memphis Grizzlies earned them the 7th seed and a place in the postseason.
- Dallas Mavericks, led by Luka Dončić, fought their way through Sacramento and then Memphis to claim the 8th seed — making the Western Conference bracket even more dangerous, despite losing Kyrie Irving to the Lakers in February.”
What Did the 2025 Play-In Show Us?
- Motivation until the final game. Teams stay locked in until Game 82, knowing the 10th seed can still mean a chance at the playoffs.
- A second life. Teams like Miami and Dallas proved that a couple of clutch wins can completely change the narrative of a season.
- Tension and drama. Every Play-In game carries playoff-level pressure. It’s one shot – and everything’s on the line.
Is the Format Fair?
Some argue that a 7th-place team shouldn’t have to risk elimination in a single game, while others feel a 10th seed shouldn’t get a second chance. But one thing is certain: the Play-In keeps things exciting – for fans, for teams, and for the league.
What Happens Now?
The playoffs have started, and Play-In teams are already testing the top seeds. If one of them manages to make it to the second round – or even further – it won’t just be a “feel-good” story. It will be proof that the Play-In isn’t just extra games – it’s a real part of the competitive journey.
A format that once looked temporary is now part of the NBA’s identity.
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