The Atlanta Hawks, currently in possession of the No. 5 seed in the East, are attempting to be among the East’s top six teams May 16, when the regular season concludes.
Top top six finishers in each conference are guaranteed a postseason spot. Finishing in the seven through 10 spots — according to the standings by winning percentage — means participating in the NBA’s play-in tournament to determine the final playoff berth in each conference.
This is how the three-game event works:
Game 1, May 18: The No. 9 team hosts the No. 10 team. The winner plays the losing team from Game 2 in Game 3. The loser is eliminated, entering the NBA draft lottery.
Game 2, May 19: The No. 7 team hosts the No. 8 team. The winner earns the No. 7 seed in the playoffs. The losing team plays the winner of Game 1 in Game 3.
Game 3, May 20-21: The winner of Game 2 hosts the loser from Game 1. The winner advances to the first round of the playoffs as the No. 8 seed. The loser enters the draft lottery.
The first round of the playoffs begin May 22. The NBA Finals tip off Thursday, July 8.
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