The Nationwide Basketball Affiliation organizes its groups into six divisions, grouped inside two conferences. This construction, whereas traditionally vital, has advanced in its sensible impression on group success and playoff qualification.
Traditionally, division winners had been assured a top-three seed within the playoffs. This conferred a home-court benefit, thought-about a considerable profit. Nonetheless, rule adjustments have diminished this direct benefit, as playoff seeding is now primarily decided by total file. The advantage of an automated playoff berth for division winners has been eliminated, though in tie-breaking eventualities, successful a division can nonetheless be an element.