In this circumstance, the team with the best winning percentage or point differential under the criterion will be awarded the best playoff position, the team with the next-best winning percentage or point differential will be awarded the next-best playoff position, and so on, and no further application of the tie-break criteria will be required.

(a) Each of the tied teams has a different winning percentage or point differential under the applicable tie-break criterion (a “complete” breaking of the tie).shall be applied in the order set forth therein until the first to occur of the following: (2) If a tie involves more than two teams, the tie-break criteria in subparagraph b.(b) When a tie must be broken to determine a division winner, the results of the tie-break shall be used to determine only the division winner, and not for any other purpose.(1)(a) Ties to determine the division winners must be broken before any other ties.The following guidelines shall be used when applying the above criteria to break ties for playoff positions: Guidelines For Applying Tie-Break Criteria. (6) Better net result of total points scored less total points allowed against all opponents ('point differential').Ĭ.(3) Better winning percentage against teams in own division (only if all tied teams are in same division).(2) Better winning percentage in all games among the tied teams.(1) Division winner (this criterion is applied regardless of whether the tied teams are in the same division).In the case of a tie in regular-season records involving more than two teams, the following criteria will be utilized in the following order: (7) Better net result of total points scored less total points allowed against all opponents ('point differential').ī.(6) Better winning percentage against teams eligible for playoffs in opposite conference (including teams that finished the regular season tied for a playoff position).(5) Better winning percentage against teams eligible for playoffs in own conference (including teams that finished the regular season tied for a playoff position).(4) Better winning percentage against teams in own conference.(3) Better winning percentage against teams in own division (only if tied teams are in same division).(2) Division winner (this criterion is applied regardless of whether the tied teams are in the same division).(1) Better winning percentage in games against each other.In the case of a tie in regular-season records involving only two teams, the following criteria will be utilized in the following order: below (in the case of ties involving more than two teams), and the guidelines set forth in subparagraph c. below (in the case of ties involving two teams) and subparagraph b. Ties for playoff positions (including division winners) will be broken utilizing the criteria set forth in subparagraph a. Looks at the opponents for your remaining games, their winning percentage on the road or at home, and whether or not either team is on the second night of a back to back. (1) Division leader wins tie from team not leading a division.(3) Division won-lost percentage for teams in the same division.(2) Division leader wins tie from team not leading a division.(-) Tie breaker not needed (better overall winning percentage).

1996 nba eastern conference standings