Previewing the 2023 NBA Play-In Tournament
Jimmy Butler
via Sports Illustrated
By: Joshua Martin
Finally!!
The 2022-2023 NBA regular season is officially in the books and now 20 teams have the opportunity to compete for the prestigious Larry O’Brien Trophy. With so much chaos down the stretch, we now have a complete look at the playoffs and play-in tournament.
NBA Playoff Picture 2023 by NBA.com
The final day of the regular season saw several teams jockeying for playoff position in the uber competitive Western Conference.
The Los Angeles Lakers faced somewhat of a test against the Utah Jazz, who were playing without its regular rotation of players but Lebron James flexed his stroke from deep draining 8 of 14 threes and totaling 36 points as the Lakers locked in their position in the play-in tournament.
LEBRON HIT THE CROWN CELLY AFTER THE DAGGER THREE 👑 pic.twitter.com/LVHBtWzPzY
— ESPN (@espn) April 9, 2023
The T-Wolves and Pelicans were also in a bout that had significant playoff ramifications but unfortunately a heated exchange between Rudy Gobert and Kyle Anderson stole the headlines.
Kyle Anderson and Rudy Gobert had to be held back after Gobert swung at Anderson in HEATED exchange 😳 pic.twitter.com/jvB9xawHNn
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 9, 2023
Minnesota eventually won securing their position in the play-in but lost a key contributor in Jaden McDaniels, fracturing his hand after punching a wall on his way to the locker room.
After sending Rudy Gobert home for punching a teammate, Jaden McDaniels fractured his hand punching a wall.
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) April 9, 2023
Timberwolves are playoff ready. pic.twitter.com/MvZBMUqC2P
The Eastern Conference wasn't as exciting with playoff positions set in stone. Four of the top six seeds suffered losses with the majority of them resting starters to prepare for the playoff push.
2023 NBA Play-In Tournament matchup schedule
Play-In Game 1: (8) Atlanta at (7 Miami)
No one mucks up an opposing team's game plan like the Miami Heat. Both teams were inconsistent for the majority of the season but “Playoff Jimmy” is real. I like the Heat to advance. Sorry Trae…
Play-In Game 2: (8) Minnesota at (7) LA Lakers
No Rudy? No problem… The Lakers definitely caught a break with the Timberwolves unforeseen inner turmoil and with the three time Defensive player of the year facing a 1 game suspension imposed by the team, The Lakers win easily…
Play-In Game 3: (10) Chicago at (9) Toronto
Two veteran laden teams that undoubtedly had higher expectations heading into the season. This might be the most competitive out of the four games during the play-in. I'm a personal fan of great guard play and defense. Raptors in a close one.
Play-In Game 4: (10) Oklahoma City at (9) New Orleans
Oklahoma City may be the biggest surprise this season. Yes they have talent but they are also super young and inexperienced. Despite numerous injuries, The Pelicans somehow won enough games to make it in but unfortunately their postseason will end Wednesday night. Shai and the endless supply of Williams at the Thunder’s disposal will advance to the next round.
The Playoffs are where legends are made and after an eventful regular season I'm pretty sure this year’s Playoff run will be filled with even more unforgettable moments.
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