NBA: Explanation Of The Numbers - RIOT

The NBA Playoff Structure

The teams in the NBA are divided into two conferences which are in turn divided into two divisions. Eight teams from each conference make the playoffs. The two division winners advance to the playoffs and the other six teams are determined by ranking the remaining teams in the conference by their winning percentages and taking the top six teams.

What Do the Numbers Mean?

Clinch Numbers

The clinch numbers provided by RIOT can be thought of as improved replacements for traditional magic numbers. They are superior since they use detailed information about teams' remaining schedules in their calculation.

First Place Clinch Number

The first place clinch number is the most similar to the commonly reported magic number. If the team wins this number of additional games, it is guaranteed to finish in at least a tie for first place in its division. An asterisk (*) indicates that even if this team wins all of its remaining games, it cannot guarantee itself a first-place finish.

Playoff Clinch Number

If a team wins this number of additional games, it is guaranteed to finish in at least a tie for a playoff spot. This could be as the division winner or as the wild-card team. Once again, an asterisk (*) indicates that even if this team wins all of its remaining games, it cannot guarantee itself a playoff berth.

Elimination Numbers

The elimination numbers provided by RIOT allow fans to determine whether or not teams have been eliminated from playoff contention, and how close they are to be eliminated.

First Place Elimination Number

This is the minimum number of games that this team must win in order to remain in contention for first place in its division. Teams which are already eliminated from first place contention are labeled "Elim" in this box.

Playoff Elimination Number

This is the minimum number of games that this team must win in order to remain in contention for a playoff spot. This could be either first place in the division or the wild card berth. Again, teams which are already eliminated from playoff contention are labeled "Elim" in this box.

Questions or comments? Send mail to Professor Hochbaum at [email protected].

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