NBA Playoffs: 2022 Play-In Tournament matchups and predictions

Western Conference: Minnesota Timberwolves (7th seed) vs. LA Clippers  (8th seed)

Minnesota plays in a tough Northwest division that includes the Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz. The Timberwolves ended the season 46-36 and went 4-6 in their last ten games. Their leader is seventh-year pro Karl-Anthony Towns, who averages 24.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game.

Anthony Edwards has made himself a household name this season. He’s the second highest scorer on the team with 21.5 points per game. Edwards is a special athlete and Minnesota will look to build their roster around him and Towns for years to come.

The Clippers have had a very difficult season due to players missing extended periods of time because of injury. Superstar Kahwi Leonard did not play in any of the team’s 82 regular-season games, and his status for a potential return in the playoffs has not been determined yet.

LA was also without their other superstar, Paul George, who missed 51 games for the Clippers. The team is not in awful shape for how their season went. Other role players stepped up to the plate and helped the team stay in playoff contention.

Prediction: Timberwolves will win and get 7th seed, and the Clippers will face the winner of 9 vs. 10.