Who’s Coming Out of the Play-In Tournament?

On Tuesday we are blessed as basketball fans to have the play-in tournament starting. The NBA playoffs are my second favorite sports playoffs, and I find the NBA Play-In tournament a super idea from Adam Silver and the commissioner’s office. This year’s play-in tournament will be one to remember, as there are some absolutely amazing teams taking part. The Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, the L.A Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, and San Antonio Spurs are all teams vying for those last two playoff spots in their conference.

So, who do I think will be making it out of the play-in tournament and into the playoffs? Well, let’s go through the series matchups, break it down, and come away with a final winner. Without further ado, let’s jump right in!

Cleveland vs Brooklyn

I’m a numbers guy, but I also like to listen to my gut. On paper, this game is all Brooklyn, all-day. The Nets are absolutely stacked, while the Cavaliers are really talented as well, but have been punching above their weight class all season, and have somehow managed to make it into the play-in tournament. This can be largely attributed to their youth, who have carried the Cavaliers all season.

The Nets have the firing power, but the Cavs have the underdog mentality and the fire. I’m gonna cause a stir and say that the Cavaliers take this one. “You’re going against the Nets?”; I know, it’s crazy, but something is telling me Cleveland comes out of this with a W.

Charlotte vs Atlanta

Charlotte, the most exciting team in the NBA, will be taking on Ice Trae and the Hawks. Although I really want to see Charlotte win this game, I have to with my man Trae Young. Young is seemingly built for big-time games (just look at his performances at Madison Square Garden), and there is no bigger stage tonight. I wholeheartedly Trae will be balling out tonight.

LaMelo is slowly becoming my favorite NBA player (Giannis will always be top), so I am very excited to see what he’s able to pull out of the hat tonight. Hopefully, we can see a huge performance from him and “scary” Terry Rozier. All being said, I have Atlanta taking this game.

Clippers vs Timberwolves

The Clippers against the Timberwolves, what a game. Although I’d feel more comfortable if I were a Clippers fan that Kawhi Leonard was playing, I guess beggars can’t be choosers, because the man is slowly rehabbing an injury and will probably be ready if the Clips make it out of the play-in tournament.

The T-Wolves have some of the best young talents in the league in KAT and Anthony Edwards, but when Paul George is red-hot, there’s no stopping him. If Paul George gets hot tonight, it’s over, and the Clippers will come out of this game on top.

New Orleans vs San Antonio

I’m gonna be brutally honest, I haven’t watched these teams play enough to give an honest assessment of the game. I know the Pelicans have some great young talent in Brandon Ingram and C.J McCollum, but other than that, I’m completely stooped. This is a game I’ll have to watchfully in order to get a better understanding of either team’s playing style. That should give me a better understanding of whether either of these teams makes it out of the tournament.

Who do you have leaving the play-in tournament? Let me know in the comments below!