The NBA regular season comes to an end 8 days on April 10th. Once the season ends the postseason begins with the Play in games on Saturday April 12th. In both conferences the positions of the Play in Tournament are not set but we will analyze what is currently occurring.
In the Eastern Conference the Play in Tournament essentially set with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets and Atlanta Hawks. The Cavs are currently in the 7th spot with a 2 game lead over the 8 to 10 spot. They are technically 3 games back of the Toronto Raptors with just 5 games left; due to the Cavs current injury situation to many key big men they likely will not be able to catch the Raptors. The Nets, Hornets, and Hawks all have the same record 40-37 with the Nets having the tiebreaker between the 3 teams. If things stay the way they are, the Cavs would host the Nets and the Hornets would host the Hawks. My prediction if things stay the way they are is the following; the Nets will beat the Cavs to grab the 7th Spot. I also see the Hornets beating both the Hawks and the Cavs to claim the 8th and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
In the Western Conference the Play In picture is a little less clear. The Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Los Angeles Clippers are essentially locked into the 7th and 8th spots. The Timberwolves are 2 games back of the 6th spot with 4 games left so it is unlikely they catch the Denver Nuggets who are the 6th seed. The 9th to 11th spots are all within 2 games of each other. This includes The New Orleans Pelicans who are in the 9th spot and have a 2 game lead over the San Antonio Spurs who have a 32-45 record. Also they have a 3 game lead over the Los Angeles Lakers who have a 31-46 record with 5 games left. I predict that the Los Angeles Clippers will defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves to secure the 7th spot. I also predict the Timberwolves will defeat the Pelicans to grab the 8th and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
This will be a fun final week of the regular season. I can’t wait to see how this season ends. Next week I will Preview the Play in Games and season ending awards.
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