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NBA Playoff Bracket, Teams, Predictions, Format, and More

By Jordanna Clark

CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 31: Quentin Grimes #6 listens to RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks during the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 31, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Knicks defeated the Cavaliers 130-116. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 31: Quentin Grimes #6 listens to RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks during the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 31, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Knicks defeated the Cavaliers 130-116. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Now that the play-in tournament has concluded, the No. 7 and No. 8 playoff seeds for each conference have been set. It’s time for the playoffs, with four games slated for Saturday, including Game 1 between the New York Knicks and Cavaliers.

The Heat punched their playoff ticket on Friday as the No. 8 seed with a win over the Bulls, eliminating Chicago from the postseason. The Timberwolves did the same thing, eliminating the Thunder from the playoffs. Miami and Minnesota are now tasked with facing the top teams in each conference.

When Knicks fans aren’t focused on the New York-Cleveland series, there will be several other entertaining games to tune into.

Eastern Conference First-Round Playoff Bracket

  • No. 1 Milwaukee vs. No. 8 Miami (Prediction: Milwaukee in 5)
  • No. 2 Boston vs. No. 7 Atlanta (Prediction: Boston in 5)
  • No. 3 Philadelphia vs. No. 6 Brooklyn (Prediction: Philadelphia in 6)
  • No. 4 Cleveland vs. No. 5 New York (Prediction: New York in 7)

Western Conference First-Round Playoff Bracket

  • No. 1 Denver vs. No. 8 Minnesota (Prediction: Denver in 5)
  • No. 2 Memphis vs. No. 7 Los Angeles Lakers (Prediction: Memphis in 6)
  • No. 3 Sacramento vs. No. 6 Golden State (Prediction: Golden State in 7)
  • No. 4 Phoenix vs. No. 5 Los Angeles Clippers (Prediction: Phoenix in 6)

How many games are in the NBA Playoffs?

Each playoff series is best-of-seven, meaning that whichever team gets four wins will move on to the next round. It’s possible for a series to be only four games if a team picks up four straight wins. Games 5-7 are only if necessary.

How long is halftime in NBA games? Regular season, playoffs, and Finals

Halftime in the NBA is 15 minutes. There are 2 minutes and 30 seconds between the first and second quarters and the third and fourth quarters.

What are overtime rules in the NBA Playoffs?

Overtime rules during the NBA Playoffs don’t differ from what they are during the regular season. With five minutes on the clock in overtime, the team that has the highest number of points at the end wins. If the two teams are still tied at the end of overtime, the game will go to double overtime, and so on.

When do the NBA Finals start?

Game 1: June 1
Game 2: June 4
Game 3: June 7
Game 4: June 9
Game 5: June 12 (if necessary)
Game 6: June 15 (if necessary)
Game 7: June 18 (if necessary)

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