The Eastern Conference side of the playoffs were determined before the final games of the season. The Western Conference side of things came down to the final day. The Eastern Conference will see the Orlando Magic host the Atlanta Hawks in the 7 versus 8 game. The Chicago Bulls will host the Miami Heat in the 9 versus 10 matchup. The winner of the Magic and Hawks game will face the Boston Celtics in the first round. The loser will meet the winner of the Bulls and Heat game for a shot to face Cleveland. The Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies face off in the 7 versus 8 game in the Western Conference. The Sacramento Kings hosting the Dallas Mavericks will battle in the 9 versus 10 matchup. The winner between the Warriors and Grizzlies will meet the Houston Rockets in the first round.

The loser of that game meet the winner of the Kings and Mavericks matchup. The winner of that game will head to Oklahoma City to face the top seed Thunder. Let’s see who advances from the Play-In Tournament into the playoffs?

 

Eastern Conference

The Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks will kick off the play-in tournament tonight. Orlando had a 2-1 record against this Hawks team this season. Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero will give the Hawks fits. Seeing they’re still without Clint Capela, the interior will be attacked by this Magic team. The homecourt advantage will be vital tonight for the Magic. Atlanta will be without Clint Capela and Jalen Johnson was already out for the remainder of the season. Can someone step up and help Trae Young? Dyson Daniels will provide a spark on the defensive side of the ball. Zaccharie Risacher has played well towards the end of the season. In the end, Orlando has the better team and should win this game. Orlando Win and Advance

 

In the 9 versus 10 game, we have the Chicago Bulls hosting the Miami Heat. The winner of this game will face the loser of the Magic/Hawks game. The loser will be eliminated from playoff consideration. The Bulls finished the season winning six of their last seven games. Coby White has been amazing, and Kevin Huerter helps stretch the floor. The Bulls have enough players who contribute to give the Heat fits. Can Chicago beat the Heat and advance at a shot at the 8^th seed? Miami finished the season losing four of their final six games. The issues with Jimmy Butler earlier in the season derailed this team. Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro are good enough to put the team on their back and win one game. They’re 0-3 this season against the Bulls and think they will fall again. Chicago Win and Advance

 

Atlanta vs. Chicago for 8^th seed

 

Western Conference

The Golden State Warriors will host the Memphis Grizzlies in the 7 versus 8 matchup. Golden State were 2-1 against the Grizzlies this season. This same Warriors team dropped three of their final five games played. Golden State poured everything into their season finale loss against the Clippers. They didn’t want to be in the play-in game and needed the rest. Will the letdown come back to haunt them in the game? The Jimmy Butler trade and extension is for games like this one. Memphis finished the season with a blowout over Dallas to end their 2-game losing streak. Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. can carry this Memphis team into Golden State. They will need a third guy to step up and Zach Edey could be their guy. This will be a close one, but I’m taking the Warriors escape with the win. Golden State Win and Advance

 

The Sacramento Kings hosting the Dallas Mavericks will be the 9 versus 10 contest. The season series won’t matter in this game. Luka was traded and Kyrie Irving tore his ACL about five weeks ago. The Kings defeated the Suns to end the season and their two game losing streak. Sacramento is equipped to battle against any team when healthy. Domantas Sabonis and Anthony Davis will be must see TV in this contest. Can the Kings survive and move on for a chance as the 8^th seed? Dallas lost four of their last five games. The injury bug really hit them throughout the season. They went from losing in the NBA Finals a year ago to probably not making the playoffs. This feels like a game where the Mavs could surprise this Kings team. I’m going with the home team in the Kings to win and advance. Sacramento Win and Advance

 

Memphis vs. Sacramento for 8^th seed