Just in: The rest of the East’s 20-game rule

The NBA’s Eastern Conference has a notable rule encouraging teams to take stock of their performance over the first 20 games of the season. This “20-game rule,” while not officially mandated by the league, is often a benchmark for teams to assess their standings and potential playoff viability. Many front offices, coaches, and analysts view the initial 20 games as a critical phase to evaluate the effectiveness of their rosters, strategies, and chances of contending in the competitive Eastern Conference.

In the context of the 2024-25 season, Eastern Conference teams are keenly watching these opening games as they define the early pecking order. By evaluating early performance, teams can make midseason adjustments more effectively, whether it’s through trades, lineup changes, or focusing on player development. This approach has proven especially relevant in recent seasons as teams attempt to capitalize on the new NBA in-season tournament, which adds layers of strategy to the regular season and counts towards a team’s win-loss record, directly impacting playoff seeding.

Given the increased competitiveness of the Eastern Conference, teams are also using this rule to gauge their playoff or play-in positioning. The expanded playoff play-in system allows teams ranked seventh through tenth in each conference to vie for a postseason spot, so early games become pivotal in the quest to avoid or secure a play-in berth. Teams like the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks, traditionally among the East’s strongest, may use the 20-game rule to validate their dominance, while rebuilding teams such as the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic assess their long-term plans.

This 20-game checkpoint isn’t just a self-assessment but has become a strategic point in an increasingly competitive Eastern Conference.