NBA Race to the play-in Tournament

The NBA scheduled just dropped it has many great games on the schedule starting with opening night on July 30^th. It is kicked off with a doubleheader the Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans and the battle of Los Angeles with the Lakers vs Clippers. The Pelicans who are currently in the 10^th spot and are currently just tied with the Portland Trailblazers who are just 3 games out of the 8^th seed. New Orleans has the easiest schedule during this final 8 game stretch. This is fair due to the fact prior to the NBA shutting down the Pelicans had the easiest remaining schedule. There are 3 games that will play a huge role in the race to the 9^th spot; if the 9^th seed is within 4 games of the 8^th seed a play-in tournament will be played to determine the 8^th seed for the playoffs.

Memphis Grizzlies vs Portland Trailblazers (July 31^st)

The first game for both teams is playing against each other this game is crucial because it sets the tone. If the Memphis Grizzlies win, they would extend their lead on the Trailblazers to 5 games who are currently in the 8^th spot. This is key because if the Memphis can keep a 5-game lead between them and the 9^th seed they will go right into the playoffs. The Trailblazers are finally healthy which is a scary thought due to the fact last year they were just in the Western Conference Finals.  If the Trailblazers win, they will go from 4 games back to just 3 games back putting them in a positive position in the race to get the play-in tournament.

Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Pelicans (August 3^rd)

One of the most exciting matchups of the NBA restart this has several storylines. This includes the Pelicans race to get the 9^th spot to potentially qualify for the play-in tournament to play against the Grizzlies. Also, it features the top 2 candidates for Rookie of the year in Ja Morant and Zion Williamson. The future of the NBA will be shown in this matchup with teams who have 2 of the youngest rosters in the NBA.

King VS New Orleans Pelicans (August 6^th, and August 11th  )

The Sacramento Kings are tied with both the Portland Trailblazers and the New Orleans Pelicans with being 4 games back of the Memphis Grizzles who are currently the 8^th seed. Unfortunately, the Kings do not own the tiebreaker over either team so in order to make the 9^thseed they have to have a better record. The Kings play two games against the Pelicans including their second to last game of the season. Sacramento faces an uphill battle with 3 of their players, including Star Player Buddy Hield, testing positive for Covid 19. It will be interesting to see if the team starts off a little slow to begin the restart.

  

With the schedule released my prediction is that we will see the Portland Trailblazers Vs the Memphis Grizzlies in a play in Tournament. The Trailblazers will win in 3 games which would advance them as the 8^th seed and into the playoffs. Also, for the Eastern Conference, the Orlando Magic will maintain their 6 game lead over the Washington Wizards and win the 8^th seed for the Eastern Conference. Both 8^th seeds will be swept in the first round. I am glad the NBA is back and I look forward to what the restart has to offer. Countdown to July 30^th begins!!!