NBA Play-In Tournament Kicks Off This Weekend

TV channels, streaming options, and start times for the annual postseason play-in games

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:10pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with sharp planes of navy, red, and yellow intersecting to create a dynamic, multi-perspective scene.The NBA's annual play-in tournament adds an extra layer of drama and excitement to the start of the postseason.Today in Detroit

The 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament is set to begin this weekend, featuring a series of elimination games that will determine the final playoff spots in both the Eastern and Western Conferences. The Detroit Pistons, who secured the 1-seed in the East with a 57-21 record, are among the teams looking to lock up a postseason berth through the play-in format.

Why it matters

The NBA Play-In Tournament has become an increasingly important part of the league's postseason, providing a second chance for teams that narrowly missed the playoffs to earn a spot. This year's edition features several high-profile matchups, including the Detroit Pistons who are aiming for their best season in over 20 years.

The details

The play-in games will be broadcast across a variety of TV channels and streaming platforms. Friday's opening matchups will air on ESPN, while Saturday's elimination games will be shown on ABC. The winners of those contests will then face off on Sunday, also on ABC, to determine the final playoff seeds.

  • The 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament begins on Friday, April 18.
  • The elimination games are scheduled for Saturday, April 19.
  • The final play-in game will take place on Sunday, April 20.

The players

Detroit Pistons

An NBA franchise based in Detroit, Michigan that is aiming for its best season in over 20 years after securing the 1-seed in the Eastern Conference.

Philadelphia 76ers

An NBA team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that the Pistons defeated on April 4 to move to 57-21 on the season.

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What they’re saying

“The play-in tournament has really added an exciting new element to the end of our regular season and the start of the playoffs.”

— Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner

“We're thrilled to be in this position and have the chance to compete for a championship. But we know we still have work to do to lock up our spot in the playoffs.”

— Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons All-Star

What’s next

The winners of the play-in games on Sunday, April 20 will earn the final playoff spots in the Eastern and Western Conferences, joining the other teams that have already clinched postseason berths.

The takeaway

The NBA Play-In Tournament has become an integral part of the league's postseason, providing an exciting conclusion to the regular season and determining the final playoff participants. This year's edition features several compelling matchups, including the Detroit Pistons who are aiming to cap off their best campaign in over two decades.