NBA Play-In Tournament Schedule Revealed for 2026 Season

Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson discusses potential matchup against Raptors in first round

Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:07pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors teams.The high-stakes NBA Play-In Tournament promises intense competition as teams battle for the final playoff spots.Cleveland Today

The 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament is set to begin, with eight teams competing for the final playoff spots. Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson shared his thoughts on a potential first-round matchup against the Toronto Raptors.

Why it matters

The NBA Play-In Tournament has become an exciting addition to the postseason, giving more teams a chance to compete for the championship. This year's event will determine the final playoff participants in each conference.

The details

The 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament will feature the 7th through 10th place teams in each conference battling for the final two playoff spots. The matchups and schedule have been released, with the games set to be televised nationally.

  • The 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament will take place from April 12-15, 2026.

The players

Kenny Atkinson

Head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Toronto Raptors

An NBA team based in Toronto, Canada.

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What they’re saying

“We must be prepared for a tough matchup against the Raptors. They are a well-coached team with a lot of talent, and it will be a battle if we face them in the first round.”

— Kenny Atkinson, Head Coach, Cleveland Cavaliers

What’s next

The winners of the Play-In Tournament games will advance to the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, which are scheduled to begin on April 19, 2026.

The takeaway

The NBA Play-In Tournament has added an extra layer of excitement and drama to the end of the regular season, as teams fight for the final playoff spots. This year's event promises to be another thrilling showcase of the league's top talent.