<P> In a sports league , a playoff berth is a position in the playoffs secured ( `` clinched '' ) ahead -- and sometimes well ahead -- of the season 's conclusion . In close races , some teams will not make the playoffs until they have played the final game of the season , but other teams will clinch a spot in the playoffs when they have mathematically qualified for the playoffs . A team mathematically qualifies for the playoffs when they have won enough games to qualify even if they lose all their remaining regular season games and all trailing teams win all their remaining games . </P>
<P> In a sports league , a playoff berth is a position in the playoffs secured ( `` clinched '' ) ahead -- and sometimes well ahead -- of the season 's conclusion . In close races , some teams will not make the playoffs until they have played the final game of the season , but other teams will clinch a spot in the playoffs when they have mathematically qualified for the playoffs . A team mathematically qualifies for the playoffs when they have won enough games to qualify even if they lose all their remaining regular season games and all trailing teams win all their remaining games . </P>
how does an nba team clinch a playoff spot
how does an nba team clinch a playoff spot
when they have won enough games to qualify even if they lose all their remaining regular season games and all trailing teams win all their remaining games
when they have won enough games to qualify even if they lose all their remaining regular season games and all trailing teams win all their remaining games