2024 NBA Playoffs: Matchups, schedules, play-in games and storylines to watch

The NBA's regular season is over, but the final playoff spots in each conference are still up for grabs with the play-in tournament kicking off on Tuesday.

Throughout the postseason, we'll keep you covered with each matchup, including series schedules, previews and predictions.

The NBA Playoffs begin on April 20.

WEST PLAY-IN TOURNAMENT

(7) New Orleans Pelicans vs. (8) Los Angeles Lakers
(9) Sacramento Kings vs. (10) Golden State Warriors

April 16: Lakers at Pelicans (7:30 p.m. ET, TNT)
April 16: Warriors at Kings (10 p.m. ET, TNT)
April 19: Winner of Warriors-Kings vs. Loser of Lakers-Pelicans

WEST PLAYOFFS

(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (8) NOP/LAL/SAC/GSW

SCHEDULE

Game 1: Sunday, April 21 (Time TBD)
Game 2: TBD
Game 3: TBD
Game 4: TBD
Game 5: (if necessary)
Game 6: (if necessary)
Game 7: (if necessary)

RELATED STORIES

• Can the Thunder win it all without playoff scars?

• Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren top picks for NBA honors

• Jalen Williams is on a path to NBA stardom
  
  

(2) Denver Nuggets vs. (7) NOP/LAL

SCHEDULE

Game 1: Saturday, April 20 (Time TBD)
Game 2: TBD
Game 3: TBD
Game 4: TBD
Game 5: (if necessary)
Game 6: (if necessary)
Game 7: (if necessary)

RELATED STORIES

• The defending champs are charging up for another title run

• Does Nikola Jokić have any challengers for the MVP award?

• What will Jokić's legacy look like by the time his career ends?
  
  

(3) Minnesota Timberwolves vs. (6) Phoenix Suns

SCHEDULE

Game 1: Saturday, April 20 (Time TBD)
Game 2: TBD
Game 3: TBD
Game 4: TBD
Game 5: (if necessary)
Game 6: (if necessary)
Game 7: (if necessary)

RELATED STORIES

• Wolves vs. Suns: Series preview and prediction

• Anthony Edwards has always been a quick study

• Power of the pack: Wolves putting it all together

• How Kevin Durant is reaching yet another level

• It's now or never for the Suns and their Big Three
  
  

(4) Los Angeles Clippers vs. (5) Dallas Mavericks

SCHEDULE

Game 1: Sunday, April 21 (Time TBD)
Game 2: TBD
Game 3: TBD
Game 4: TBD
Game 5: (if necessary)
Game 6: (if necessary)
Game 7: (if necessary)

RELATED STORIES

• Home-court advantage? Times have changed for the Clippers

• Luka Dončić and the Mavs are the NBA's mystery contender

• Dante Exum has returned to NBA with a vengeance

EAST PLAY-IN TOURNAMENT

(7) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (8) Miami Heat
(9) Chicago Bulls vs. (10) Atlanta Hawks

April 17: Heat at 76ers (7 p.m. ET, ESPN)
April 17: Hawks at Bulls (9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)
April 19: Winner of Hawks-Bulls vs. Loser of Heat-76ers

EAST PLAYOFFS

(1) Boston Celtics vs. (8) PHI/MIA/CHI/ATL

SCHEDULE

Game 1: Sunday, April 21 (Time TBD)
Game 2: TBD
Game 3: TBD
Game 4: TBD
Game 5: (if necessary)
Game 6: (if necessary)
Game 7: (if necessary)

RELATED STORIES

• The Celtics have a lot to prove. Are they worth rooting for?

• Why Boston needs more Jaylen Brown in crunch time

• Kristaps Porzingis is the center of the Celtics' title hopes

• How Jrue Holiday fit in seamlessly with the title favorites
  
  

(2) New York Knicks vs. (7) PHI/MIA

SCHEDULE

Game 1: Saturday, April 20 (Time TBD)
Game 2: TBD
Game 3: TBD
Game 4: TBD
Game 5: (if necessary)
Game 6: (if necessary)
Game 7: (if necessary)

RELATED STORIES

• Fighting for the No. 2 seed was the only option for New York

• Jalen Brunson is the NBA superstar no one saw coming

• Why OG Anunoby's "winning streak" shows his importance
  
  

(3) Milwaukee Bucks vs. (6) Indiana Pacers

SCHEDULE

Game 1: Sunday, April 21 (Time TBD)
Game 2: TBD
Game 3: TBD
Game 4: TBD
Game 5: (if necessary)
Game 6: (if necessary)
Game 7: (if necessary)

RELATED STORIES

• Bucks vs. Pacers: Series preview and prediction

• The Bucks have endured a season from hell. Is there hope?

• Damian Lillard discusses 'the hardest transition in my life'

• Why the Pacers' trade for Pascal Siakam makes so much sense

• Haliburton announces Pacers' arrival during In-Season Tournament
  
  

(4) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (5) Orlando Magic

SCHEDULE

Game 1: Saturday, April 20 (Time TBD)
Game 2: TBD
Game 3: TBD
Game 4: TBD
Game 5: (if necessary)
Game 6: (if necessary)
Game 7: (if necessary)

RELATED STORIES

• Can the Cavaliers be trusted in the playoffs?

• Mitchell, Cavs focused on playoff success, not future

• Paolo Banchero's quest to keep reaching new heights
  

KEY DATES

• Conference semifinals begin: May 6-7 (possible move up to May 4-5)

• Conference finals begin: May 21-22 (possible move up to May 19-20

• NBA Finals begin: June 6