Ranking of Power Teams in the 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament: Identifying Potential Upsets in the NBA Playoffs

As we approach the start of the NBA playoffs, we have compiled our NBA Play-In Tournament power rankings using the top NBA odds leading up to Tuesday’s first games.

The NBA Play-In Tournament kicks off with four matchups on Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by the final two games on Friday, which could potentially alter the NBA championship odds depending on the results.

The Miami Heat narrowly avoided elimination last season by winning on the final day of the play-in tournament. They then advanced to the NBA Finals where they faced the Denver Nuggets. Similarly, the Los Angeles Lakers also went from the play-in tournament to the conference finals in the Western Conference.

Is it possible that we will witness a repeat performance in 2026? Our top sports betting sites are offering favorable odds for one play-in team to become a title favorite, with two others priced at less than 50/1 to win it all despite facing tough competition.

Here are our power rankings for the eight teams in the NBA Play-In Tournament, along with their title odds from top NBA betting sites, to provide additional context to our Play-In Tournament odds.

Power rankings for the 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament

8. Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks have not instilled much confidence as they head into this tournament, as they were in ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings just two weeks ago and then proceeded to lose six consecutive games to end the regular season.

The Atlanta team has the worst record (36-46) and net rating (minus-2.0) in the tournament. As a road underdog on Wednesday against the Bulls, they face a tough challenge. Trae Young is a threat in the postseason, but it seems unlikely that this team will make it past the second round, or even survive the play-in tournament.

Top odds: +150000 on bet365

7. Chicago Bulls

Despite having a decent roster on paper, the Bulls (39-43) have been consistently underperforming for years, making them the only other team in this field with a losing record.

Chicago has had the lowest net rating (-2.2) among play-in teams since the All-Star break and has not ranked higher than ninth in the East since early November. While DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic can cause matchup problems in the first round, they are not the type of superstars who can dominate a playoff series at this point in their careers.

Top odds: +100000 on BetMGM

6. Sacramento Kings

Last year, this team made a big impact in a thrilling first-round series against the Warriors. Twelve months later, top sportsbooks predict that Golden State will eliminate Sacramento on the first night of the play-in tournament.

This team appeared to have potential to perform well in April and May, but their performance declined after losing Malik Monk, their third-leading scorer. They lost five of their final seven games and now find themselves in the play-in tournament. Unfortunately, it seems unlikely that Monk will return to the team any time soon.

Despite Monk being healthy, Sacramento’s offense experienced a significant regression from last year’s record-setting group. While having De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis on the team can make them a threat in a seven-game series, they do not appear to be a major contender for winning the championship.

Top odds: +30000 at Caesars Palace

5. Golden State Warriors

Is it possible that the trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, all of whom are 34 or older, might not have what it takes to make a deep playoff run?

Despite being an elite team on the road this season, the Warriors struggled at the Chase Center with a 21-20 record at home, dropping them to the 10th spot in the West. However, Golden State managed to maintain a top-10 net rating since the All-Star break (plus-4.4), keeping them in the playoff race in the Western Conference.

It’s difficult to underestimate the experience and talent of this team, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Warriors manage to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round. However, I believe the teams ranked higher on this list have a better chance of making a deep playoff run.

Top odds available: +8500 at FanDuel

4. Miami Heat

Despite Miami consistently following the same regular-season routine, our top sports betting apps consistently underestimate Erik Spoelstra during the postseason, giving a sense of deja vu.

Previous Heat players have acknowledged that Spoelstra and his team see the regular season as a preparation period for the playoffs, and their success in the postseason proves this strategy effective. However, despite this, Miami often enters the playoffs as a significant underdog and is not typically favored to win the championship.

While this year’s team may not stand out in advanced metrics, my years of observation lead me to believe that they have what it takes to succeed in the upcoming play-in tournament. As long as Jimmy Butler remains healthy, this team will prove to be a formidable opponent in the postseason.

Top odds: +4200 at FanDuel

3. Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers are widely regarded as the top team in the play-in tournament, with betting markets reflecting this sentiment by offering odds of 20/1 or lower for Philadelphia to win it all on our recommended live betting platforms.

It sounds promising in theory, but in reality, I have doubts about Joel Embiid’s health and ability to stay that way through the postseason. Additionally, I have concerns about the team’s ability to adapt and succeed in multiple playoff series, especially considering Embiid’s limited playing time since February.

Philadelphia had a 31-8 record with Embiid playing this season, showing their immense potential and earning them a high ranking on this list. However, there is also a significant downside, making me more inclined to bet on either of the teams ranked higher than the Sixers.

Top odds: +2000 at bet365

2. Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers have experienced a rollercoaster season, fluctuating between fourth and 11th in the Western Conference standings. They barely avoided the bottom two spots in the play-in tournament.

Ever since Jarred Vanderbilt’s injury on February 1st, which led to Rui Hachimura joining the starting lineup, this team has undergone a transformation. With a record of 23-10 and the NBA’s third-best offensive rating of 118.4, Los Angeles has seen superstar Anthony Davis take on a more prominent role on both offense and defense.

If they win on Tuesday, they will face the Denver Nuggets in the first round, a rematch of last year’s Western Conference Finals. While not ideal, this team has a good chance to make a deep run in the play-in field.

Top odds: +3500 at BetMGM

1. New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans, despite a late-season slump caused by Brandon Ingram’s knee injury, still has the potential to surprise in the upcoming NBA playoffs as one of the top teams in the West.

As of Tuesday’s games, the Pelicans are ranked sixth in the league in net rating (plus-4.6), with an offense that is just shy of the top 10 and a defense on the verge of breaking into the top five.

Additionally, they have two standout scorers in Zion Williamson and Ingram, as well as top-tier secondary scorers in CJ McCollum and Trey Murphy. The team also boasts an elite perimeter defender in Herb Jones and a dominant presence in the paint with Jonas Valanciunas.

The team’s only weakness appears to be their lack of experience, a common challenge for newcomers in the competitive scene. However, on paper, they are the most formidable team in the play-in field and should not be underestimated as the NBA playoffs approach.

The best odds are +8000 at Caesars.

NBA Play-In Tournament picks

• Player props for the Lakers vs. Pelicans matchup.
• Player prop bets for the game between the Warriors and Kings.
• Player props for the Heat vs. 76ers game

Chances of qualifying for the NBA playoffs

According to DraftKings, the odds were calculated as of Monday, April 15.

NBA championship odds 2026

NBA Play-In Tournament schedule

Can you explain the NBA Play-In Tournament?

The NBA Play-In Tournament now decides the last two spots in the playoffs for each conference, with only the top six seeds guaranteed a spot. Previously, the top eight seeds were guaranteed a spot, but now teams ranked ninth or 10th have the opportunity to earn their way into the playoffs.

NBA Play-In Tournament format

The teams seeded ninth and tenth will compete against each other, with the victor having a chance to claim the eighth seed from the loser of the game between the seventh and eighth seeds.

If you finish the regular season as the seventh or eighth seed, you only need to win one game to make the playoffs. However, if your team finishes ninth or 10th in its respective conference, you will need to win two games to qualify for the playoffs.

NBA betting odds pages

These are our top NBA betting sites.

• Caesars Promo Code: SBRBONUS1000 | Check out our review of Caesars
• BetMGM Review: Use Bonus Code SBRBONUS for Exclusive Offers
• Use the code SBRBONUS for the bet365 bonus and check out our review of bet365.
• BetRivers Promo Code: SBRBONUS | Check out our BetRivers Review
• Check out our FanDuel Review and use our exclusive FanDuel Promo Code
• Get the latest DraftKings Promo Code and check out our in-depth DraftKings Review

*Must be 21 or older. If you have a gambling problem, please call 1-800-GAMBLER. Please note that bonuses are not available in Ontario.

Related pages

• Top Sports Betting Sites with Top Promotions (U.S. residents only)