I think we can safely say that five years after the Play-In Tournament’s inception, the experiment is still going strong. NBA’s The gamble of making games matter in March and early April paid off hugely. Just last week we had two matchups that were similar to playoffs between the Mavericks You can also read about the Kings The potential playoff implications were at stake. Both teams wanted to avoid playing in the Play-In Tournament. As a result, winning was crucial. We had players come out with a competitiveness that we hadn’t witnessed this late in season. 

We also have Draymond Green Talking about the end of the Houston Rockets‘ season. The Rockets were 11th in West and on the brink of beating the Golden State Warriors to the final seed. This level of trash-talking and care this late in the year was not seen before the league decided that the final two spots for each conference would be up for grabs.

The Play-In Tournament makes it easier for teams and players to make the playoffs. This year’s possible matchups could be among the best that we’ve ever seen. There’s a chance that LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant You can also find out more about the following: Luka Doncic Western Conference. In the East, Joel Embiid The Sixers will have to battle their way through Play-In to secure a spot in the playoffs, and the Heat You’ve already shown that you can have a successful postseason after the Play-In.

It is not guaranteed that these games will take place. The results of the Play-In Tournament will need to be a certain way. Let’s take a moment to dream and look at the best possible Play-In Tournament matchups that we could have by season’s conclusion.

This matchup is likely to be high-scoring. The Pacers have the second best offense this season, so any game they play has the potential to be high-scoring. It’s not unusual to see boxscores that are over 130 because they also play poorly on defense. In one of three previous matchups, Tyrese Maxey Dropped 50 points. Joel Embiid, on the other hand, almost reached 40 points in a game that he lost. Indiana defeated the Sixers in the final round. Tyrese Haliburton Their depth. All three games had high scores, and it would not be different if they met at the Play-In Tournament. This game would be interesting if there was another twist. Buddy Hield The first time since he was traded in February, he will be facing the Pacers. He is shooting the ball a little better with the Sixers and would be motivated to show what the Pacers gave up.

4. Heat vs. 76ers

All three games between these teams this season were decided by seven points or fewer. So this matchup is going to be a very close and competitive game. It’s a shame there will only be one game, and not the full series. Embiid is back in action and that only adds to the excitement of this matchup. We all know what will happen. Jimmy Butler When he’s extra-motivated. The Heat also could have Tyler Herro As the dynamic guard is Return expected this week After being sidelined since Febraury. This matchup would pit a Heat team with the fourth-best defensive rating against a Sixers squad that had the third best net rating in the league before Embiid went down in January with a meniscus tear. This matchup might or might not take place depending on what happens in the final week of the season. If this is the No. 7 vs. No. It would be interesting to see the 8 seed in the East.

3. Kings vs. Warriors

Who could ever forget the seven-game playoff series that took place between these teams in the first round a year ago? Curry put on a vintage performance, including a 50 point barn burner in game 7 to send Sacramento packing. It also featured the infamous Draymond green stomp. Domantas Sabonis‘ chest led to a Warriors forward being suspended for one game during that series. Imagine all the excitement, pressure, and competitiveness that was present during that series. One game. This could happen with a No. 9 vs. No. The matchup between 10 and No. Lakers It is possible to pass the Kings and reach the No. Or it could happen, if Sacramento loses to No. 7 vs. No. Golden State wins in the 8th matchup. 9 vs. No. This matchup could create a dramatic showdown for the last spot in the West playoffs.

2. Mavericks Mavericks Mavericks Suns

Fans and players of these teams dislike each other. The players are buying into the rivalry between Luka Doncic, and Devin Booker. Both All-Stars are always on the side of their enemies and respected adversaries. Once you add Kevin Durant to the mix, you have a real contender. Kyrie IrvingYou have a powder-keg for a highly anticipated matchup. 

The Suns did not live up to their expectations this season because of injuries to some of their stars. However, they always seem motivated when they need to win. Mavericks also have their highs and lowers. Dallas has proven to be able to win in tough situations, just like Phoenix. It has the highest clutch win percentage of any team in the league. This would be very useful against a team as strong as Phoenix. The Mavericks and Suns are both ranked No. The Mavericks and Suns are ranked No. This matchup is unlikely to occur right now.

1. Lakers vs. Warriors

This matchup is likely to happen and everyone will be watching the television as soon the ball touches the ground. At the beginning of the year, I don’t know if anyone expected these two teams to be in such a dire situation. What could be better than LeBron vs. Stephen Curry in a Play-In Tournament match for the West’s top seed? 8 seed? This may sound anticlimactic but I wouldn’t count out Curry and James in a best of seven series if one team secures a postseason spot. The team that loses will have a long offseason ahead of them, with many important decisions on both ends.

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