The road to the 2026 NBA Finals is about to get even more intense, and it all starts with the high-stakes Play-In Tournament. Before the top six seeds in each conference begin their playoff march, the teams seeded 7th through 10th will clash for the final two postseason spots in each conference, guaranteeing a thrilling start to the NBA's second season.
Mark your calendars: the action tips off on April 14 at 7:30 p.m. ET and runs through April 17, with the traditional 16-team playoffs set to begin the very next day. The opening night features a must-watch Eastern Conference showdown between Bam Adebayo's Miami Heat and LaMelo Ball's Charlotte Hornets, alongside a Western Conference battle as the Phoenix Suns face the Portland Trail Blazers.
The drama continues on April 15 with two more win-or-go-home matchups. The Philadelphia 76ers will look to fend off a young and hungry Orlando Magic squad, while a potential classic unfolds out West as Stephen Curry's Golden State Warriors take on Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers.
To catch every clutch shot and pivotal play, you'll need to know where to watch. For the 2026 tournament, every single Play-In game will be broadcast exclusively on Prime Video from April 14-17. The good news for fans is that new users can access all the action with a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime. After the trial, you can continue streaming for $8.99 per month for the base Prime Video plan.
This tournament format has become a fan-favorite, often delivering some of the most unpredictable and energetic basketball of the year. It's the perfect time to gear up in your favorite team's apparel and settle in for a week where every possession counts. Get ready for a thrilling preview of playoff intensity.
