Early predictions for the NBA’s Play-In Tournament
Based on the end-of-the-season projection that I made, this is how the Play-In Tournament would look like for the East and West:
East schedule
Game 1: Atlanta Hawks (7) vs. Miami Heat (8)
Prediction: Atlanta Hawks beat the Heat, clinch 7th seed
Game 2: Toronto Raptors (9) vs. Chicago Bulls/Washington Wizards (10)
Prediction: Toronto Raptors beat Bulls/Wizards, advance to face Heat
Gam 3: Miami Heat (8) vs. Toronto Raptors (9)
Prediction: Miami Heat outlast Raptors to clinch 8th seed
Final outcome: Atlanta Hawks earn 7th seed; Miami Heat win 8th seed
I believe that the standings in the Eastern Conference are just about right. The Hawks and Heat are probably more talented than the Raptors and Bulls or Wizards at this point and they will eventually get it right. The Raptors have a strong roster but have been a little too off for my liking.
And the big questions that surround some of their key players heading into the offseason will be too much to overcome late in the season.
West schedule
Game 1: Dallas Mavericks (7) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (8)
Prediction: Dallas Mavericks beat the Minnesota Timberwolves; Mavs earn 7th seed
Game 2: New Orleans Pelicans (9) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (10)
Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers beat the New Orleans Pelicans; advance to face Wolves
Game 3: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers edge Minnesota Timberwolves to earn 8th seed
Final outcome: Dallas Mavericks are the 7th seed; Los Angeles Lakers win the 8th seed
When push comes to shove, I simply believe that the Dallas Mavericks are too talented to not win one Play-In Tournament game. The duo of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic has some figuring out to do but they’re too talented not to qualify for the postseason.
I also believe that the Lakers are going to get healthy enough in time to make one final push to the playoffs. LeBron James will be back for the Play-In Tournament and the Lakers figure out a way to win the 8th seed.