<P> Finally in 1984 , the tournament expanded to its present 16 - team , four - round knockout , and the now - complete set of first - round series were expanded to a best - of - five . In 2003 the first round was changed to also be best - of - seven . ( Thus all playoff teams from 2003 to present , same as the two Division champions in 1947 and 1948 , continue to play at the close of the regular season without idle team ( `` bye '' ) and may be certain of four playoff games including two at home . ) </P>
<P> Finally in 1984 , the tournament expanded to its present 16 - team , four - round knockout , and the now - complete set of first - round series were expanded to a best - of - five . In 2003 the first round was changed to also be best - of - seven . ( Thus all playoff teams from 2003 to present , same as the two Division champions in 1947 and 1948 , continue to play at the close of the regular season without idle team ( `` bye '' ) and may be certain of four playoff games including two at home . ) </P>
when did the nba change the first round of playoffs to 7 games
when did the nba change the first round of playoffs to 7 games
2003
2003