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Previewing the 2023 NBA Play-In Tournament

Get ready for the 2023 NBA Play-In Tournament! Read our preview of the matchup schedule and predictions. We discuss it here!

 

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.

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. 

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.

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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Jrue Holiday Donates Remainder of 2020 NBA Salary to Small Black Businesses & Nonprofits

Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday and his wife Lauren shared inspiring news Saturday, pledging to donate the remainder of his 2020 NBA salary to help small black-owned businesses, nonprofits and initiatives.

 
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Jrue Holiday During Gametime With the Pelicans - Rocky Widner/ NBAE via Getty Images

Jrue Holiday During Gametime With the Pelicans - Rocky Widner/ NBAE via Getty Images

By: Tialena Evans

Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday and his wife Lauren shared inspiring news Saturday on their efforts in assisting those struggling with the resurging COVID-19 pandemic across the nation. 

The Holidays announced on Instagram their pledge to donate the remainder of their 2020 NBA salary to help small black-owned businesses, nonprofits and initiatives. Jrue shares their decision to focus on the needs of the African-American community and how they feel they can make a lasting impact at a time they need it most.

“With the COVID-19 pandemic and heightened racial injustice is in 2020, many of us have been looking for answers. Lauren and I found ourselves searching for ways to help our community at a time when they need it most,” he wrote. “Pledging the remainder of our 2020 NBA salary to small black owned businesses, nonprofits and initiatives is how we felt we could make a lasting impact.”

“It’s encouraging to know that in a time when we could all use a helping hand, we are still searching for ways to help one another. Know that you are not alone in your search for answers,” Jrue continued. 

This generous contribution isn’t the first time Jrue has been spotted paying it forward. The NBA veteran made the tough decision back in July to depart from his pregnant wife to play in the NBA bubble. This decision allowed him to be able to donate the remainder of his salary for the season, about $5 million, to businesses, nonprofits and higher learning institutions that serve the Black community.

“There needed to be a reason why I felt it was worth leaving my family and my pregnant wife to go into the bubble,” Jrue said. “I think they gave me a great reason to go back and play, to feel like I’m doing something for my people in this culture. Donating the rest of my contract was kind of the ultimate decision for a while I was going.”

The 11th year guard is on a five-year, $131.8 million contract, which he’s already earned a little over $26 million for the 2019-20 season. While in Milwaukee, he’s set to make another 25.3 million this year.

As of now, it has not been announced how much money the Holiday’s will be donating this time around  or where donations will be distributed to. 

Hopefully Jrue and his wife Lauren's efforts to help their communities can be a blueprint and a call to action for others who have the means.

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