NBA Play-In Tournament Preview

NBA Play-In Tournament Preview

The NBA Play-in Tournament starts on Tuesday

Lakers vs Pelicans

If someone told you that Lebron James in year 21 would play 71 games, Anthony Davis would play 76 games, and D'Angelo Russell would have a career year, you’d probably assume that the Lakers would be a top seed, instead, they’re playing in the play-in tournament on the road as the 8 seed against the 7 seeded New Orleans Pelicans. You can watch the game live on TNT today at 7:30 PM ET with coverage starting at 7 PM ET! The oddsmakers have the game at virtually a pick 'em with the Lakers being a slight 1-point favorite on the road in New Orleans. The matchup to watch will be how effective Pelicans superstar Zion Williamson can score in the paint against perennial Defensive Player of the Year nominee Anthony Davis. If Anthony Davis can anchor the paint, the Pelicans might be in for a long night against the Lakers.

Warriors vs Kings

A rematch of the thrilling playoff series last year features the 10-seeded Golden State Warriors going to Sac Town against the 9-seeded Sacramento Kings, and you can watch this high-powered offensive matchup today at 10 PM ET on TNT. It’s been an extremely disappointing season for both teams who had playoff and championship aspirations. The Warriors season was marred with controversy with the multiple suspensions of star forward Draymond Green, and their season never really gained momentum after that. The Kings have been hurt by the loss of guard Kevin Huerter, and now start Keon Ellis, whose defense will be pivotal as he’ll get the Stephen Curry defensive assignment. While no one can stop Curry, if Keon Ellis can contain Steph, the Kings will have a much better chance of defending home court and moving on to play the loser of the Lakers Pelicans game for the last spot.

Warriors Superstar Stephen Curry 

Heat vs 76ers

The defending Eastern Conference champions Miami Heat will travel to Philadelphia to face the reigning MVP Joel Embiid in a matchup that before the season many thought we’d see in the Eastern Conference Finals. Jimmy Butler, aka Jimmy Buckets, aka Jimmy Freaking Butler, has earned this reputation due to his heroic play in the playoffs, taking a Miami Heat team that was the last seed last season to the NBA Finals, upsetting the Boston Celtics and the Milkawee Bucks in their wake. They’ll need more Jimmy Butler heroics to pull off the upset against the Philadelphia 76ers, who are the hottest team in the NBA, winners of 8 straight. The key matchup in this contest will be defensive player of the year candidate Bam Adebayo against the reigning MVP Joel Embiid. You can watch this matchup this Wednesday on ESPN at 7 PM ET.

Miami Heat Superstar Jimmy Butler

Hawks vs Bulls

In what could be Trae Young’s last game as an Atlanta Hawk, the Atlanta Hawks will travel to Chicago in a faceoff against the Chicago Bulls in the 9/10 seed matchup. The Hawks had high expectations with new coach Quin Snyder, but star guards Trae Young and Dejounte Murray were never able to sustain chemistry, with Dejounte's best stretch of the season coming when Trae Young was injured. The Bulls have also had a disappointing season, but guard Coby White has stepped up in the absence of the injured Zach Lavine, averaging about 19 a game while running the offense alongside Demar Derozan, and the Bulls will likely need a big game from both to defend home court. You can watch this game Wednesday on ESPN at 9:30 PM ET.

Atlanta Hawks superstar Trae Young

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