NBA Playoffs: 2022 Play-In Tournament matchups and predictions

NBA Brooklyn Nets (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NBA Brooklyn Nets (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant (Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports)

Getting a closer look at the Play-In Tournament that will determine the final two spots in the  NBA playoffs in each conference. 

The NBA regular season is now officially over, and that means one thing. NBA Playoff basketball is about to begin. Before the real playoffs start this Saturday, April 16; the Play-In Tournament must happen first to fill the seventh and eighth seeds in the Eastern and Western Conferences.

Teams from the East:

  • 7th seed- Brooklyn Nets 
  • 8th seed- Cleveland Cavaliers 
  • 9th seed- Atlanta Hawks 
  • 10th seed- Charlotte Hornets 

Teams from the West:

  • 7th seed- Minnesota Timberwolves 
  • 8th seed- Los Angeles Clippers 
  • 9th seed- New Orleans Pelicans 
  • 10th seed- San Antonio Spurs 

Playoff basketball brings a different intensity to the game. Only the strongest and most balanced teams continue to push through the postseason. The favorite to win it all right now is the Phoenix Suns. Will anyone be able to stop Devin Booker and the Suns? Or will they avenge their 2-0 lead they blew in the NBA Finals last season and win it all?