NBA Playoffs 2024 format, dates, rounds: Analyzing potential 76ers first-round foes

In just over a month, the 2024 NBA Playoffs will commence, so while the regular season is still far from over, we can now get a better look at how the first-round matchups could look like this time around. The Philadelphia 76ers are poised to be a postseason participant for the sixth straight year — a commendable situation given their recent mishaps and miscues on the injury front.

2024 NBA Playoff format

The top eight seeds from the Eastern and Western Conference will play in the first round of the playoffs, pitting the No. 1 vs. the No. 8 seeds, the No. 2 vs. the No. 7 seeds, the No. 3 vs. the No. 6 seeds, and the No. 4 vs. the No. 5 seeds. 

The winner of the 1-vs-8 matchup will face the winner of the 4-vs-5 in the conference semifinals, while the winner of the 2-vs-7 matchup and the 3-vs-6 matchup will butt heads. From there, the respective victors will go head-to-head in the Eastern and Western Conference Finals, with both conference champions facing each other for the Larry O’Brien trophy.

When do the 2024 NBA Playoffs start?

The NBA Play-In Tournament will be held from April 16-19 while the first round of the playoffs will start on April 20 and run through June 23, the scheduled date for Game 7 of the 2024 NBA Finals (if necessary). 

How can I watch the 2024 NBA Playoffs?

The playoffs will be broadcast on ABC, ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV. To watch the games that are not broadcast on TNT, check out fuboTV for a free subscription. Max offers a Bleacher Report Sports Add-On that includes TNT. 

Who could the 76ers play in the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs?

If the season ended today, the 76ers would be the No. 5 seed in the playoffs and face the No. 4 Knicks in the first round. The 76ers are 4 games back from the No. 3 Cavaliers. The No. 6 Magic are a half game back from Philly, the No. 7 Heat are one game back from the Sixers, and the No. 8 Pacers are two games back from the Sixers.