NBA Play-In Tournament scenarios heading into the final day of regular season
NBA Play-In Tournament scenarios heading into the final day of the regular season.
The NBA’s inaugural Play-In Tournament tips off May 18, but there is still very much that needs to be decided heading into the final day of the regular season. Seven out of the eight participants in the tournament are locked in but seeding still has to be decided.
With a full, 15-game slate on tap for the final regular-season day, there is much at stake. Heading into the postseason, we explore each scenario pertaining to the league’s Play-In Tournament when it comes to seeding.
First things first, here is how the Play-In standings sit ahead of the final regular-season slate:
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Western Conference
6. Portland Trail Blazers (41-30)
7. Los Angeles Lakers (41-30)
8. Golden State Warriors (38-33)
9. Memphis Grizzlies (38-33)
10. San Antonio Spurs (33-37)
The San Antonio Spurs have clinched the 10th seed in the Play-In Tournament. The Warriors and Grizzlies are fighting for the 8th seed and the Lakers and Blazers are battling for the 6th. Here are the games that will play a factor in the seeding:
- Memphis Grizzlies vs. Golden State Warriors
- Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans
- Denver Nuggets vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Here are the various scenarios for the respective games:
- Winner of Grizzlies-Warriors secures the 8th seed; loser will be the 9th seed.
- If the Lakers and Blazers both win; Blazers own tiebreaker and will be a top-6 seed and Lakers will be the 7th seed and clinch a spot in the Play-In Tournament.
- If the Lakers win and Blazers lose; Lakers earn a top-6 seed and Blazers will be the 7th seed and clinch a spot in the Play-In Tournament.
- If the Lakers lose and Blazers win; Blazers earn a top-6 seed and Lakers will be the 7th seed and clinch a spot in the Play-In Tournament.
- If the Lakers and Blazers both lose; Blazers own tiebreaker and will be the 6th seed and Lakers will be the 7th seed and clinch a spot in the Play-In Tournament.
Eastern Conference
7. Boston Celtics (35-35)
8. Charlotte Hornets (33-38)
9. Washington Wizards (33-38)
10. Indiana Pacers (33-38)
The Celtics have clinched the 7th seed in the Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament. The Hornets, Wizards, and Pacers are battling for the final three seeds, but have all clinched a spot in the tournament. Here are the games that will play a factor in the seeding:
- Charlotte Hornets vs. Washington Wizards
- Indiana Pacers vs. Toronto Raptors
Here are the various scenarios for the respective games:
- Winner of Hornets vs. Wizards secures the 8th seed; loser will be the 9th or 10th seed.
- If Hornets win AND Pacers win; Hornets will be 8th seed, Pacers will be 9th seed, and Wizards will be 10th seed.
- If Wizards win AND Pacers win; Wizards will be 8th seed, Pacers will be 9th seed, and Hornets will be 10th seed.
- If Hornets win AND Pacers lose; Hornets will be 8th seed, Hornets will be 9th seed, and Pacers will be 10th seed.
- If Wizards win AND Pacers lose; Wizards will be 8th seed, Hornets will be 9th seed, and Pacers will be 10th seed.
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The final day of the regular season should provide some theater and will set up what will be an intriguing, if nothing else, inaugural NBA Play-In Tournament.