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Since its inception in 2020, the NBA Play-In Tournament has transformed the final week of the regular season into a competitive and highly anticipated event. This format not only adds urgency but also helps curb the previously widespread practice of teams deliberately losing games to secure better draft positions.
Inspired by the structure of the UEFA Champions League, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver crafted a two-day tournament format that teams can only circumvent by finishing in the top six of their respective conferences. This allows the seventh and eighth seeds to compete for their playoff spots through a series of play-in games, while the ninth and tenth seeds must win two successive must-win games just for a chance to secure the eighth seed in the playoffs.
Each team participating in the play-in has made the playoffs at least once in the last decade, adding to the stakes as they aim to reclaim their postseason status through this unconventional path.
No. 7 Golden State Warriors Vs. No. 8 Memphis Grizzlies
History plays a significant role in this matchup, as the Grizzlies and Warriors have previously clashed in play-in tournaments, making this a highly anticipated encounter once more.
The Warriors experienced a strong finish to the season, going 23-7 post-trade deadline, largely bolstered by the acquisition of Jimmy Butler. His contributions have allowed Stephen Curry to flourish, facilitating off-ball movement and providing crucial rest periods. However, Butler’s recent injury could impact Golden State’s performance in this pivotal game.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies had a rocky end to their season, slipping from a strong position as a top two seed in the Western Conference to a struggle for playoff survival, leading to the dismissal of longtime head coach Taylor Jenkins. They are now under the direction of interim head coach Thomas Iisalo, trying to reclaim their earlier momentum.
In terms of player impact, Santi Aldama becomes a focal point for Memphis, stepping up in the absence of injured small forward Jaylen Wells. Aldama will need to rise to the occasion and effectively challenge Golden State’s top defenders, especially as he seeks to build on a career season.
No. 9 Sacramento Kings vs No. 10 Dallas Mavericks
This matchup highlights the dramatic shifts both franchises have experienced over the past year. The Mavericks, who previously reached the NBA Finals, now find themselves struggling after losing Luka Doncic to a high-profile trade with the Los Angeles Lakers. In return, Dallas received Anthony Davis, whose impact has been inconsistent due to ongoing health issues.
The Kings, on the other hand, made their own significant move by trading away former first-round pick De’Aaron Fox in exchange for star shooting guard Zach Lavine. This shift has positioned Sacramento to leverage a more offensive-centric game plan under interim head coach Doug Christie.
Currently, both teams are positioned in the lower half of the Western Conference, necessitating a concerted team effort if they hope to compete for the eighth seed through the play-in rounds.
Keon Ellis emerges as a crucial player for Sacramento, particularly in the absence of injured guard Malik Monk. Ellis’s contributions as a facilitator and perimeter defender will be vital if the Kings wish to maximize their offensive output against a Dallas squad that may stack the paint defensively.
No.7 Orlando Magic vs No.8 Atlanta Hawks
The Orlando Magic’s trajectory this season shifted dramatically due to injuries, yet they managed to bounce back, showcasing talent led by stars Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero, both averaging over 24 points per game.
Atlanta, returning to the play-in tournament after a disappointing exit last season, features a revamped roster around star guard Trae Young. The Hawks have adopted a new style with players like Dyson Daniels and Zaccharie Risacher, who have emerged as significant contributors.
Orlando is seen as the favorite in this game, primarily due to their defensive strength, although Young’s ability in clutch moments keeps Atlanta in contention.
.Onyeka Okongwu, typically a smaller big on the lineup, will need to assert himself against a more physically imposing Magic frontcourt. His performance in a recent loss to Orlando demonstrated his potential impact, as he scored 30 points and grabbed 14 rebounds—replicating such numbers will be key for Atlanta’s chances.
No.9 Chicago Bulls vs No.10 Miami Heat
What was expected to be a rebuilding year for the Bulls turned into an improbable playoff run, powered by the impactful play of guards Josh Giddey and Coby White, who shone during the second half of the season.
The Heat, meanwhile, have struggled since trading away their star player Jimmy Butler and currently find themselves grappling with defensive inadequacies. Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo have stepped up offensively, yet the lack of stability remains evident.
Andrew Wiggins, having joined Miami following the Butler trade, is tasked with stepping up as the team’s third scoring option. His ability to provide consistent offensive output will be instrumental if Miami aspires to advance through the play-in tournament and make a deeper playoff run.
Source
www.forbes.com