How does the NBA Summer League playoffs work? Breaking down the action

Hayden Victoria

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How does the NBA Summer League playoffs work? Breaking down the action image

NBA.com

LAS VEGAS, NV - The NBA Summer League is ending in Las Vegas. Fans packed the Thomas and Mack Arena and Cox Pavilion to see the future of the NBA, including Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg and Bronny James from Los Angeles. They also caught glimpses of Yang Hansen, an outstanding player from China who was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2025 NBA Draft. 

The NBA Summer League in Las Vegas features a unique playoff structure distinct from the regular NBA season. Here's how it works:

  • Each team plays four preliminary games.
  • After these games, the top four teams (based on win-loss record) advance to the playoffs.
  • The remaining 26 teams each play a consolation game, so every team plays at least five games.

Playoff Structure

  • Single-Elimination Bracket
    • The top four teams enter the semifinals:
      • 1st seed vs. 4th seed
      • 2nd seed vs. 3rd seed
    • Winners advance to the Championship Game, which determines the overall Summer League champion.

Tiebreaker Rules

If teams have the same record after four games, the following tiebreakers apply (in order):

  1. Head-to-head result (if two teams are tied)
  2. Point differential
  3. Total points scored
  4. Coin flip (if all else is equal, rare scenario)

For ties involving more than two teams, point differential is used as the primary tiebreaker, followed by total points scored and, if needed, a coin flip. The playoff and championship games are all single elimination—win and advance, lose, and you head back home. All teams are guaranteed five games regardless of their performance in the preliminary round; this is known as a consolidation game. The Championship is a one-off rather than a series, just one final match on Sunday night.

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Hayden Victoria

Hayden Victoria is the founding CEO of Texas Sports Network and currently serves as Head of Content at SEC Unfiltered while contributing to USA TODAY’s Longhorns Wire. A proud student at the University of Texas at Austin, he has been credentialed to cover premier events like the Super Bowl, College Football Playoff National Championship, and NFL Combine.