The regular season is officially over, so now it’s time to hop straight into some games that actually matter.
The NBA play-in tournament begins tonight.
Here’s the play-in schedule:
April 12
- #8 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. #7 Brooklyn Nets @ 7 PM ET
- #8 Los Angeles Clippers vs. #7 Minnesota Timberwolves @ 9:30 PM ET
April 13
- #10 Charlotte Hornets vs. #9 Atlanta Hawks @ 7 PM ET
- #10 San Antonio Spurs vs. #9 New Orleans Pelicans @ 9:30 PM ET
The next games are to be determined depending on the winners and losers of these games and will be played on April 15th.
Matchup #1: Cavaliers @ Nets
Our first matchup opens up with an exciting 8 vs 7 duel between two teams that were once the frontrunners of the Eastern Conference, but later found themselves near the bottom here at the end of the season.
The Cavaliers got off to an amazing start this season and were in the top 5 of the Eastern Conference all the way up until the all-star break. Unfortunately, since All-Star big man Jarrett Allen fractured his finger, this team has gone 7-11. Allen being out is a huge hit to this team. He is not only the anchor of the Cavs defense, but a lob threat on the offensive end and a rebounding machine.
At the start of the season, the Brooklyn Nets were the Eastern Conference favorites, now they find themselves playing for a chance at even making the playoffs. The Brooklyn Nets have dealt with a lot this season. It all started off when they lost their 3 point champion Joe Harris early on. He is honestly one of the keys to this offense. Having a guy that can shoot 47% from three around Kyrie and Kevin Durant is deadly.
After that came even more struggles which eventually led to the Harden trade. The James Harden trade ended up benefiting the Nets, but it gives them little time to bring together the chemistry with the new guys, especially Ben Simmons since he still hasn’t even seen the floor yet. Rumors have it that he could return in the first round of the playoffs. This could be tricky having a guy like Simmons hop straight into playoff action, but I’m sure they have been getting practice time in with him since the trade.
Verdict: Brooklyn Nets take the 7 seed
With the Injury to Jarrett Allen, the Cavaliers just don’t have what it takes to beat the Nets. The Nets are determined and have been playing very well here lately, so I just can’t see them losing this game.
The Nets just recently defeated the Cavs 118-107 on April 8th.
The loser of this game will still have a chance for redemption vs the winner of the 9/10 game.
Matchup #2: Clippers @ Timberwolves
Via NBA.com
Next up we have a scrappy matchup between the Clippers and Timberwolves.
First things first, I want to point out that Patrick Beverley is playing his former team, so that alone will be a reason to tune in to this game. Even though he’s not one of the premier players, he has his way of getting into the heads of his opponents and he will be doing all he can to do that to every single player in a Clippers uniform. Beverley is one of those players that you hate to play against, but you love to have on your side.
It’s also noted that Paul George has made his return and he hasn’t skipped a beat. He was out for the majority of the season due to a torn UCL, but since he has returned the Clippers are 6-1. What’s scary about this Clippers team is they have been playing great all year even without PG. So now with him back and a possibility of Kawhi Leonard returning… this team could be a dark horse in the Western Conference.
I really like the matchups in this game. I can see this game being one of the closest of all the play-in games.
Verdict: Los Angeles Clippers move on
It was a tough choice, but with the Clippers veteran experience and to have PG back in form I’m giving them the slight edge.
The Clippers have tons of playoff experience and know what it’s like to play in these big games. The Timberwolves are still young and have been known for struggling when it matters.
Ultimately I think this game will come down to coaching. Clippers Coach Ty Lue is known for being able to make adjustments quickly and get his team on the right track the moment something is off.
This Timberwolves team has the talent to win this game, but the Clippers should pull through at the end.
Matchup #3: Hornets @ Hawks
Credit: Brock Williams-Smith/NBAE via Getty Images. Pictured: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks, LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets
For our first matchup on Wednesday, we have an exciting battle between two of the most talented young guards in the NBA – Trae Young and LaMelo Ball.
Both the Hawks and the Hornets are two of the highest-scoring teams in the league, so be ready for a lot of buckets back and forth. Even if one of these teams manages to get hot early, the opposing team still has the opportunity to come back. The Hawks and Hornets shoot a lot of threes and either team can come back in an instant.
What could make a huge difference in the outcome of this game is if John Collins is able to return. He is a key player for the Atlanta Hawks and has been out to injury for a few weeks now. The Charlotte Hornets are without Gordon Hayward which is a massive hit to their chances.
Verdict: Hornets complete the upset
The LaMelo Ball led Hornets should come out on top in this one. The Hornets have a very deep roster even without Hayward out. Everyone on this team has seen improvements this season and they have played well throughout the season. The addition of Montrezl Harrell was a big help.
If John Collins returns I could see the Hawks taking this game, but if not, the Hornets should complete the upset and have a chance at taking the 8 seed.
Matchup #4: Spurs @ Pelicans
To finish off the play-in games we have the San Antonio Spurs taking on the New Orleans Pelicans.
Dejounte Murray has been outstanding this season and has managed to lead this weak Spurs roster into a playoff bid. There’s always credit to Popovich too of course, but what Murray has done has been very impressive. This Spurs team is filled with a bunch of role players and no real threats on the offensive end.
The New Orleans Pelicans have completely turned their season around. After starting off 1-12, things were not looking good. Zion Williamson was supposed to return, but never ended up coming back and the Pelicans just couldn’t get it together.
Around mid-season things started to change for them. Mostly due to the CJ Mccollum trade, but also because everyone else decided to accept that Zion wasn’t returning and they all stepped up. The Pelicans have been on a roll since the all-star break.
Verdict: Pelicans come out on top in blowout win
The Pelicans are playing their best basketball of the season right now and they completely outmatch the Spurs in every way. There is not much chance that the Spurs can pull this one out in New Orleans.
The Spurs have beaten the Pelicans twice this year though, so they do have their number. If everything collapses for the Pelicans then the Spurs will have a chance at making the 8 seed.
Who are your picks for the play-in tournament? Comment below!
