December 28, 2024
Numerous first-round matches in the NBA have been determined as the regular season has come to an end. The playoff lineup will be decided following the conclusion of the play-in competition the following week.
There was no shortage of drama on the last day of the regular season as teams vying for the West’s top seed and to escape the play-in round clashed. Some teams, like the Boston Celtics, ended the season in style since they knew they would make the playoffs.
In the early rounds of the competition for the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy, fans will have plenty to watch with a number of entertaining matchups in both the first round and the play-in event.
As in the previous few seasons, a number of contenders will need to win the play-in tournament in order to advance to the playoffs. The Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers in the West will face difficult opponents before the first round of play begins since they were not selected as the top six seeds. The Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers are still vying for an East playoff berth.
Here is a look at the playoff bracket and a rundown of several important matches following Sunday’s events.
EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAY IN TOURNAMENT
It’s reasonable to assume that the play-in tournament might produce two Eastern Conference contenders. Both the Heat and the 76ers are formidable teams captained by superstars, and should they go past the play-in round, they will probably provide a serious danger in their opening-round matches.
The Heat attest to that. They stunned the Milwaukee Bucks in the opening round of the playoffs last year after emerging victorious from the play-in. If Miami were to repeat that accomplishment, it would be incredible, but with Jimmy Butler playing well in the playoffs, everything is possible.
The 76ers should be optimistic going into the play-in competition. If Joel Embiid hadn’t needed surgery on his knee to miss 29 games, Philadelphia most likely would have clinched a top-six spot. The 76ers have won every game since he returned, and they are riding high.
Chicago and Atlanta made it to the play-in round thanks to an Eastern Conference field that was comparatively weak, but it doesn’t appear likely that either team will be able to get past the Heat or 76ers. With Trae Young back on the court, the Hawks should have a better chance, but Atlanta’s 157-115 season-ending loss to the Indiana Pacers indicates that they won’t be a serious contender in the play-in round.
WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAY IN TOURNAMENT
In the East, there are two obvious favourites to win the play-in tournament, while in the West, things are less clear.
It is difficult to envision a LeBron James-led team losing two games and missing out on the playoffs, especially after the Lakers locked up the 8th position on Sunday. The Lakers should easily win the second game and advance to the playoffs even if Los Angeles loses the first one.
Despite their difficult path, the Warriors have a chance to go to the playoffs if the right team shows up. Golden State has been erratic throughout the season, and in the play-in round, it can only afford to lose its best games. Next week, Steph Curry is expected to put on a strong performance in an attempt to force his club into the playoffs.
Though the Kings are a young club, they will not be favoured by a difficult play-in field next week. It’s not an easy challenge to play the Warriors with their season on the line, and Sacramento would need to win a big game to advance.
The Pelicans could be considered a wild card in the play-in competition. New Orleans might end the game soon if they defeat the Lakers, but their 124-108 loss to Los Angeles on Sunday doesn’t appear likely. The Pelicans will at least get two games to guarantee a berth in the playoffs, though they would have preferred to avoid the play-in round.
While New Orleans may not be able to defeat the Lakers, it will certainly have a good shot against the Kings or Warriors.
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