The tournament format was introduced in the 2020-2021 season, and in July 2022, the format was made a permanent feature of the postseason. The bracket for each conference is as follows: The 7^th and 8^th place teams play each other, and the winner becomes the 7-seed. The 9^th and 10^th place teams play each other.

A total of 16 teams -- eight from both conferences -- make the NBA playoffs. The top six seeds in each conference automatically qualify for the playoffs, while the final two spots are determined by the play-in tournament.

Initially implemented during the 2020-21 NBA season, the play-in tournament expanded the NBA's postseason to 20 teams (10 from each conference). The top six teams from each conference automatically qualify for the playoffs, while the 7- through 10-seeds enter the play-in tournament for a chance to extend their seasons.