The NBA Play-In tournament is do-or-die basketball before the playoffs even begin, and if you aren’t ready for the pressure or the stakes, then you do not belong. Personally, I strongly disagree with all the hate against the play-ins. It gives the 9-10 seeds a chance at the playoffs, while testing the 7-8 seeds if they are truly worthy, and this season, we got a lot of testing to do.
From veterans like Steph Curry and Kawhi Leonard, to young teams colliding in the 1st true battle of their careers, this play-in tournament is raising the stakes for every team, and with injuries spread throughout every single roster in the NBA, the outcomes are simply unpredictable.
Historically, the play-ins have shown unpredictability, with the 9-10 seeds being the wildest battles the league has ever seen. From the Miami Heat to the Portland Trail Blazers, there is experience, youth, and threats across the board, but which teams are true contenders?
The Case for Veteran Teams (Experience Wins)
1. Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Clippers
The most highly anticipated game this play-in’s is the Golden State Warriors vs the Los Angeles Clippers. 2 teams that have great talent, but aging superstars. On one side, you have Stephen Curry. The greatest shooter to ever exist is still having an elite season. If Golden State can lock in from downtown and rely heavily on offense, the Clippers stand no chance.
On the other side, we have Kawhi Leonard and the dangerous Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers play a slower, more controlled basketball compared to the Warriors, with their smothering defense being the deciding factor. Kawhi Leonard is having a career season, and I believe that LA has what it takes to move on.
2. Phoenix Suns stability vs chaos
The Suns have home court advantage when it comes to this play-in tournament, and this season, they have been far better at home, having a 25-16 record at home compared to a 20-21 record on the road. Combine that with their veteran scoring and offense, and experience matters in these high-pressure games.
3. Miami Heat “play-in identity.”
Miami’s defensive system has proven to be incredible this season. With their experience in elimination games, the Miami Heat are already playing like a playoff team, but does their roster have enough talent to push them past the hurdle?
The Case for Young Upset Teams (Energy Wins)
1. Portland Trail Blazers = upset threat
The Portland Trail Blazers are one of the fastest teams in the league. Combine that with high 3 Point volume and 6th best rebounding total in the league, the Blazers can overwhelm slower, older teams physically, which pushes the edge for me to put them into the playoffs.
2. Charlotte Hornets offensive volatility
The Hornets have been truly inspiring this season. The Hornets are perhaps the best 3 Point shooting team in the NBA this season, leading the NBA in Made 3’s (16.4), 2nd in Attempted 3’s (43.3), and 3rd in 3 Point % (38.8%), but most impressive of all is that they are purely led by young talent.
The high-scoring, fast-tempo game that the Hornets play has been detrimental to their late-season surge, and in single games, when the only goal is to score lots of points, the Hornets become the most dangerous team in the entire league.
3. Orlando Magic defensive ceiling
The final matchup is the Orlando Magic vs the Philadelphia 76ers. Both play a very controlled, balanced basketball, but it is the Orlando Magic that holds the upper hand in defense, length, and versatility. Led by a now healthy core of Banchero, Wagner, and Bane, the Magic have become a threat in the East.
The true swing factor in this game is Joel Embiid’s health. Tyrese Maxey has shown that he can lead a team
Final Word
This play-in tournament has been defined by 2 different definitions. 1 side is a handful of older, veteran-led teams, still trying to prove that they can win at the highest level, while the other side is younger teams trying to prove themselves for the 1st time.
Veterans survive in the NBA, but they never thrive. At least one major upset is coming, and I think that the youth in the league has finally decided it is time to take over.
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