The NBA rankings distributes to the 30 teams of the two conferences according to their regular season winning record. So facing the Playoffs, it’s important to know the league rules for tiebreaks. They are simple and easy to understand.
The NBA rankings shows the 15 teams in the Eastern Conference and the other 15 in the Western Conference. Two or more teams can finish with the same win-loss record. What happens in this case to know where each one ends?
Rules for tiebreakers between two teams in the standings
If two teams finish the regular season with the same win-loss record, the first and most basic tiebreaker rule favors the team with the best winning percentage in their matches.
The NBA has its back covered and has more mechanisms in case a tie persists. The next step to break the tie would be check each team’s winning percentage in their division. Great: this only applies to tied teams within the same category.
What is asked if the two tied teams are from different divisions? Winning percentage against teams from the same conference.
If the tie were to continue, it would be as follows the winning percentage against playoff teams from the same conference. And if the tie continues, so would playoff teams from the other conference. As a final point point difference will be compared (points scored minus points received) in all games played in the regular season by the two teams still tied.
Rules for tiebreaks between more than two teams
Similar to the previous point, albeit with some adjustments. The rules apply to all ties between more than two teams, regardless of the number combination. The first, consult the head-to-head win percentage between the teams involved.
If the tie persists and if it is teams from the same category will be consulted the winning percentage against all teams in the division. We will consider the following tie rule the winning percentage against teams from the same conference.
If a tie still exists, the opinion will be called winning percentage against teams eligible (this is important) for the playoffs of the same conference, which includes the bundles. And finally, the point difference of each team in the Regular Phase (points graded minus points received).
Does it matter to be a division champion in the NBA?
It’s a small detail, but it matters for tiebreakers. In fact, the division champion is the first tiebreaker point to consult, although it is less common. In which case the champion would immediately beat the non-champion team. Applies to ties between two or more teams.
The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of the NBA or its organizations..
