The 2026 NBA Playoffs have arrived, and even though the majority of the league is on the brink of playoff action, some franchises are going into the offseason. Which teams were eliminated from the 2026 NBA playoffs? It is one of the biggest questions as the 2026 postseason gets underway. Every NBA season, contenders rise and pretenders fall, and this year was no different.Ten teams (five Eastern and five Western) have officially been ruled out of the playoffs before a single game of the postseason was held.
Rebuilding franchises that no one thought would ever be able to compete, to disappointments that left fans scratching their heads, the list of eliminated teams is a story in its own right about the 202526 NBA season. As 20 teams gear up to the playoff basketball intensity, these 10 teams are now transitioning to the offseason, draft lottery and the years-long path to relevance. Below is a breakdown of each team that went home early this year.
Eastern Conference Teams Eliminated From the 2026 NBA Playoffs
Five teams in the Eastern Conference did not qualify to the postseason this season. The Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Washington Wizards all failed to secure either a direct playoff berth or a Play-In Tournament spot.
The Bucks’ elimination is arguably the most stunning story in the East. What used to be a constant competitor and a past champion is now a franchise that has not made the postseason at all, and it seems that the end of an era has come in Milwaukee. The Nets, Wizards, and Bulls are also starting their rebuilding stages with no postseason appearances to celebrate the 202526 season.
The absence of the Indiana Pacers also deserves mention since they have been playoff contenders recently and their loss begs the question of going into a critical offseason.
Western Conference Teams Eliminated From the 2026 NBA Playoffs
Out West, the five teams eliminated from the 2026 NBA playoffs are the Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, Sacramento Kings, and Utah Jazz.
The Mavericks’ elimination is one of the more surprising outcomes in the West. Dallas was expected to remain competitive, but a disappointing campaign ends with them watching the playoffs from home. The Grizzlies, who built a strong young core in recent years, also couldn’t find enough consistency to make the cut. Sacramento, still searching for sustained playoff success, joins New Orleans and Utah on the outside looking in.
Which Teams Made the 2026 NBA Playoffs Instead?
While 10 teams pack up for the offseason, 20 teams are still alive — either locked into direct playoff seeds or battling through the SoFi Play-In Tournament. Direct qualifiers from the East include the Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors, and Atlanta Hawks. Out West, the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, and Minnesota Timberwolves all clinched berths.
The Play-In Tournament, tipping off April 14, will decide the final 7th and 8th seeds in each conference.
FAQs: Teams Eliminated From the 2026 NBA Playoffs
How many teams were eliminated from the 2026 NBA playoffs?
Before the playoffs started, 10 teams were eliminated, 5 in the Eastern Conference and 5 in the Western Conference.
Which big-market teams were eliminated from the 2026 NBA playoffs?
The Dallas Mavericks and Chicago Bulls are among the most notable big-market franchises to miss out on postseason play this year.
Were the Milwaukee Bucks eliminated from the 2026 NBA playoffs?
Yes. The Milwaukee Bucks were no longer in the playoffs, and this was a big downgrade considering that the franchise was a title contender premised on Giannis Antetokounmpo.
When do the 2026 NBA Playoffs officially begin?
Play-In Tournament will start April 14 and the first round of NBA Playoffs starts April 18, 2026.
Get the Latest Updates at inkrisp.com. Also, follow our social media for updates on X and Instagram.