The NBA common season was spectacular and drama filled, however don’t get too nostalgic as a result of the playoffs are going to take issues up one other degree.
As you put together for the play-in and first spherical, listed here are 10 truths to know:
1. The Jap Convention play-In doesn’t matter
The Orlando Magic (41-41, seventh seed), Atlanta Hawks (40-42, eighth), Chicago Bulls (39-43, ninth) and Miami Warmth (37-45, 10th) stink and won’t current any first-round difficulties for the Cleveland Cavaliers (64-18, first) and Boston Celtics (61-21, second). Get the brooms prepared for a few sweeps.
2. However the Western Convention play-In definitely does matter
The tops seeds within the Western Convention, the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (68-14, first) and Houston Rockets (52-30, second), could have their eyes on Tuesday night time’s play-in recreation between the Golden State Warriors (48-34, seventh) and Memphis Grizzlies (48-34, eighth). Each groups shall be hoping to keep away from Steph Curry and Warriors, who’re 23-7 with Jimmy Butler within the lineup.
3. Nonetheless, Warriors followers mustn’t overlook their matchup with the Grizzlies
The Grizzlies, who not too long ago fired coach Taylor Jenkins, have been in free fall since the All-Star break (12-16) and haven’t overwhelmed a Western Convention group above .500 since Jan. 30. However Golden State mustn’t take its matchup with Memphis frivolously. The Dubs have by no means received a play-in recreation (0-3) and Curry (thumb) and Butler (knee) are banged up.
4. Something is feasible within the first spherical of the Western Convention
The primary spherical of the Western Convention goes to be thrilling as all high eight seeds — even the Grizzlies — may win their first-round collection in the event that they catch the proper breaks. Memphis in all probability can’t beat the Thunder, however they match up effectively with the Rockets and positively have an edge in playoff expertise. The Warriors can be the favorites in opposition to the Rockets, and will push the Thunder to the brink, particularly if “Playoff Jimmy” is in full bloom. The Timberwolves and Lakers collection shall be a battle of contrasting kinds and will go six or seven video games. And the Nuggets and Clippers collection ought to be an on the spot traditional and is near a toss-up in most betting markets.
5. Talking of which, Nuggets-Clippers shall be a homecourt benefit collection
Each of those groups have wonderful homecourt benefits due to Denver’s altitude (26-15 at house) and Clippers proprietor Steve Balmer’s insanely deep pockets and need to construct an superior new area (30-11 at house). The Clippers are enjoying higher and possibly have a barely higher roster, however the Nuggets nonetheless have the perfect participant on this planet (Nikola Jokic). The primary group to win a highway recreation will win the collection.
6. There shall be “Blood within the Backyard”
In an ode to ESPN’s Chris Herring’s guide in regards to the New York Knicks from the Nineties and early 2000s, the first-round battle between the Knicks and younger, hot-tempered Pistons shall be a throwback collection by which each groups depart the world bruised and battered after every recreation. The Knicks will win in 5 – 6 video games, however Detroit’s Isaiah “Beef Stew” Stewart and Ron Holland will begin a few scuffles and perhaps even a brawl.
7. The Milwaukee Bucks-Indiana Pacers collection would be the solely Jap Convention collection the place the underdog has an opportunity
Though it’s going to in all probability find yourself on NBA TV, this ought to be a enjoyable collection as a result of the Pacers are higher, more healthy and have good expertise from final postseason. Nonetheless, they don’t have Giannis Antetokounmpo. And, as his stat line (30.4 PPG, 11.9 RPG and 6.5 APG) suggests, he’s greater than able to successful a first-round collection all by himself.
8. Rudy Gobert would be the focal point
Each time he’s within the playoffs, the hot-button subject about Minnesota’s Gobert is whether or not he’ll get performed off the court docket by the opposite group’s playmakers. And his first-round matchup in opposition to the Lakers’ Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves shall be no totally different for the four-time Defensive Participant of the Yr. The Lakers are reliant upon their centerless lineups, in order that they’ll do their darndest to get the 7-foot-1 large man in foul bother and off the court docket.
9. Accidents will resolve at the least one collection – they at all times do
Accidents stink. However they incessantly discover a method to damage playoff collection. We’ve seen the playoffs get turned the wrong way up by unlucky accidents —suppose Anthony Davis in 2021, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard in 2023 or half the Knicks’ roster final season. This season will in all probability be no totally different, however let’s keep optimistic till then as a result of…
10. The playoffs are going to be superior
Sit again and revel in.
