2023 NBA Play-In Tournament Predictions

The NBA regular season is over, but the playoffs haven't quite started yet, due to the Play-In Tournament to determine the last two seeds in each conference!  In this post, I will predict the results of this, as well as a brief description regarding.

For reference, there are 3 games total in the tournament.  The first involves the 7 and 8 seeds playing against each other, where the winner clinches the 7 seed.  The second involves the 9 and 10 seeds playing against each other, where the loser is eliminated.  The loser of the first game (7-8) plays the winner of the second game (9-10), where the winner clinches the 8 seed.  As an example, last season in the East, the 7-10 seeds were Brooklyn (7), Cleveland (8), Atlanta (9), and Charlotte (10).  Brooklyn beat Cleveland to clinch the 7 seed, Atlanta beat Charlotte, and then Atlanta beat Cleveland to clinch the 8 seed.


7 Miami Heat vs. 8 Atlanta Hawks

As underwhelming and inconsistent as the Heat have been, the Hawks have been the epitome of average, with a net rating of 0.3.  I just feel like the Heat are a better team and are more reliable.  Prediction:  Miami, clinches 7 seed

9 Toronto Raptors vs. 10 Chicago Bulls

This is kind of a sad combo, as both teams are teetering between whether to blow their team up, though both have played well since the All-Star break.  Ultimately, I think Toronto will benefit from the matchup, though it could go either way.  Prediction:  Toronto, goes to second game

 

7 Los Angeles Lakers vs. 8 Minnesota Timberwolves

L.A. has looked good since the trade deadline, while Minnesota is going to be missing Rudy Gobert (suspension), Naz Reid (injury), and now the newly injured Jalen McDaniels, who they needed to guard LeBron James to have a chance.  Prediction:  Los Angeles, clinches 7 seed

9 New Orleans Pelicans vs. 10 Oklahoma City

This could honestly go either way.  I’m rooting for OKC since I love their roster construction (though I also like New Orleans’ lineup as well), though I think the Pelicans have more experience and have a massive edge on the rebounds (no pun intended).  Prediction:  New Orleans, goes to second game

 

8 Atlanta Hawks vs. 9 Toronto Raptors

The best way I can put my thoughts on this game is by saying “who knows”.  That said, I feel like the Hawks want to make something out of this season whereas the Raptors want to be done with this season.  Prediction:  Atlanta, clinches 8 seed

8 Minnesota Timberwolves vs. 9 New Orleans Pelicans

I think New Orleans is deeper and more skilled overall in this matchup, which gives them the edge automatically.  Add the fact that Minnesota is missing McDaniels, who would be essential against Brandon Ingram, and could have an awkward situation with Gobert after a punch, and it leaves too little room for error.  Prediction:  New Orleans, clinches 8 seed


Who do you think will win the Play-In games?  Let me know in the comments!

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