NBA teams push for new playoff bracket format to address competitive imbalances

The NBA playoff format may change as some teams advocate for a new 1-to-16 seeding system. Currently, the playoffs feature six teams from each conference, with additional teams competing in a play-in tournament for the final spots. This proposed change aims to address competitive imbalances between the Eastern and Western Conferences. For instance, the New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks had identical records, but their playoff seeding differed due to conference placement. The current format allows for less travel, as teams are grouped regionally. However, the Western Conference has often been more competitive, leading to calls for a more equitable playoff structure.