How the 2027 NBA Playoffs Work
The 2027 NBA Playoffs begin April 17, right after the Play-In Tournament decides the final seeds in each conference. Sixteen teams, eight from the East and eight from the West, play four rounds of best-of-seven series, ending with the NBA Finals in June 2027. The New York Knicks enter as defending champions after beating the San Antonio Spurs 4-1 in the 2026 Finals. Below you will find the full playoff format, key dates, Play-In odds, and how to bet the postseason. For every team’s title price, see NBA Championship odds.
2027 NBA Postseason Key Dates
NBA Playoff Format
Seeds 7 through 10 in each conference play for the last 2 playoff spots. The 7-8 winner takes the No. 7 seed. The 9-10 loser is eliminated. The 7-8 loser then faces the 9-10 winner, and that winner earns the No. 8 seed.
The top 6 seeds in each conference qualify directly. First-round matchups are 1 vs 8, 2 vs 7, 3 vs 6 and 4 vs 5 in each conference. The bracket is fixed — there is no reseeding between rounds.
Every round is a best-of-seven series. The higher seed hosts Games 1, 2, 5 and 7, and the lower seed hosts Games 3, 4 and 6. The first team to win four games advances.
First Round, Conference Semifinals, Conference Finals and the NBA Finals. The Eastern and Western Conference champions meet in June for the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Odds to Make the Play-In Tournament
The six shortest prices in each conference to finish in the Play-In spots (seeds 7-10) at BUSR.ag.
| Eastern Conference | Odds | Western Conference | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Hawks | +105 | Phoenix Suns | -125 |
| Orlando Magic | +110 | Portland Trail Blazers | +100 |
| Toronto Raptors | +130 | Utah Jazz | +110 |
| Charlotte Hornets | +130 | Golden State Warriors | +110 |
| Indiana Pacers | +135 | Dallas Mavericks | +140 |
| Miami Heat | +170 | Los Angeles Lakers | +170 |
Conference Winner Odds
The top four prices to win each conference and reach the 2027 NBA Finals.
| Eastern Conference | Odds | Western Conference | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Knicks | +350 | Oklahoma City Thunder | +145 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | +360 | San Antonio Spurs | +160 |
| Boston Celtics | +550 | Denver Nuggets | +1100 |
| Detroit Pistons | +850 | Minnesota Timberwolves | +1300 |
Odds via BUSR.ag as of October 17, 2026 and updated daily. Login for the latest prices.
How to Bet the NBA Playoffs
Every Play-In and playoff game has a spread, moneyline and total at BUSR. Playoff lines adjust game to game as series develop, so watch how the market reacts after each result.
Bet on which team wins a best-of-seven series instead of a single game. Series prices update after every game, which can create value on a team that drops an early road game.
Stars play bigger minutes in the postseason. Points, rebounds, assists and threes props are posted for every playoff game, and minutes are easier to project than in the regular season.
Conference and championship futures are available all season. Prices tighten as the bracket takes shape, so the longest odds are available before the playoff field is set.
NBA Playoffs FAQ
When do the 2027 NBA Playoffs start?
The 2027 NBA Playoffs begin Saturday, April 17, 2027, after the regular season ends April 11 and the Play-In Tournament runs April 13-16. The NBA Finals are played in June 2027.
How does the NBA Play-In Tournament work?
Seeds 7 through 10 in each conference play in the Play-In. The 7 and 8 seeds meet, and the winner earns the No. 7 seed. The 9 and 10 seeds meet, and the loser is eliminated. The loser of the 7-8 game then faces the winner of the 9-10 game for the No. 8 seed.
How many teams make the NBA Playoffs?
16 teams make the NBA Playoffs, 8 from each conference. The top 6 seeds qualify directly and the final 2 spots in each conference are decided by the Play-In Tournament.
What is the NBA Playoffs series format?
Every round is a best-of-seven series using a 2-2-1-1-1 format. The higher seed hosts Games 1, 2, 5 and 7, and the lower seed hosts Games 3, 4 and 6. The first team to win four games advances.
Who won the 2026 NBA Playoffs?
The New York Knicks won the 2026 NBA Championship, beating the San Antonio Spurs 4-1 in the NBA Finals. Jalen Brunson was named Finals MVP.
Can I bet on the NBA Playoffs at BUSR?
Yes. BUSR covers every Play-In and playoff game with spreads, moneylines, totals, player props and series prices, plus conference and NBA Championship futures all season long. New members get $500 when they place their first $50 bet.
NFL Betting Odds:
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