The National Basketball Association organizes its teams into six divisions, grouped within two conferences. This structure, while historically significant, has evolved in its practical impact on team success and playoff qualification.
Historically, division winners were guaranteed a top-three seed in the playoffs. This conferred a home-court advantage, considered a substantial benefit. However, rule changes have diminished this direct advantage, as playoff seeding is now primarily determined by overall record. The benefit of an automatic playoff berth for division winners has been removed, although in tie-breaking scenarios, winning a division can still be a factor.
