2026 NBA Playoff Bracket Simulator

Play-in tournament (seeds 7–10) is included — simulate Games A, B, and C first to set seeds 7 and 8, then run the full playoff bracket. Seeds come from the live standings, while series probabilities are weighted directly by current DraftKings championship odds.

Scroll to zoom • drag to pan • click matchup to simulate

Upset factor: 10%

Advanced / Won Eliminated Upcoming Simulated

For a full explanation of the simulation model, play-in tournament, odds methodology, and export options, see the How It Works page. For common questions, see the FAQ.

Zoom & pan: Scroll to zoom, drag to pan. Use Reset View to return to the default view. On mobile, pinch to zoom.

How does the TankOdds NBA Playoff Bracket Simulator work?

The TankOdds NBA Playoff Bracket Simulator pulls live conference standings from the ESPN API and uses current DraftKings championship odds to simulate the full 2026 NBA Playoffs, including the play-in tournament. Standings determine seeding; the title market provides the strength signal for each series. When two teams meet, the base win probability is calculated by comparing their implied championship probabilities directly — the team with higher implied title odds is the series favorite.

Simulate individual series by clicking any matchup, or use Simulate All to run every available game from the earliest unlocked round forward. The Upset Factor slider (default 10%) blends the base series probability toward 50/50, adding variance while keeping the model anchored to the live title market.

Why does the simulator include the NBA play-in tournament?

Seeds 7 and 8 in each conference must be earned through the play-in rather than regular-season standings alone. The play-in involves seeds 7 through 10: Game A (7 vs 8), Game B (9 vs 10), and Game C (Game A loser vs Game B winner) determine the #7 and #8 seeds. Because the first-round bracket depends on those results, the play-in must be simulated before the first round unlocks.

How are NBA championship odds used to simulate series results?

DraftKings sportsbook odds are converted from American format to implied probability using the standard formula (100 / (odds + 100) for favorites; odds / (odds + 100) for underdogs). In any series, the two teams' implied title probabilities are compared directly: if Team A's implied probability is pA and Team B's is pB, Team A's base chance of winning the series is pA / (pA + pB). This ties every result to the live title market rather than relying on seeds alone. Championship odds sourced from DraftKings Sportsbook; standings sourced from the ESPN API.

For entertainment and informational purposes only. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the NBA, ESPN, or DraftKings. No real-money wagering offered or implied.