The NBA Play-In tournament is underway, and we had four exceptional games that defined several things toward the playoffs.
Concerning the qualified teams, the Lakers defeated the Pelicans 110-106 to seal their official ticket to the playoffs for the 2023/24 NBA season. LeBron and Anthony Davis combined for 43 points to lead the team to victory. On the other hand, the Warriors were the first eliminated from this phase after their 94-118 loss to the Kings.
The Sixers won in extremis against the Miami Heat by 105-104, in a game where Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Nicolas Batum dressed as heroes to lead the team to victory. Finally, the Bulls beat the Hawks 131-116 to stay alive in these Play-Ins and play for their lives in the Friday games.
With these results, we have that the last two games of the Play-In to define all the teams present in the playoffs will be: Miami Heat vs. Chicago Bulls and New Orleans Pelicans vs. Sacramento Kings.
Below, we bring you a preview of these two great games, where the last qualified teams to the next phase of this season will be defined.
NBA Play-In: Heat vs. Bulls
When and Where?
Friday, April 19, 7:00 pm ET at the Kaseya Center
Moneyline odds:
Heat 1.77
Bulls 2.08
Where can I watch it?
With Coby White’s career-high scoring total (42 points), the Chicago Bulls took control of the game at the United Center, defeating the Atlanta Hawks 131-116 to advance to this Friday’s Play-In defining game against the Miami Heat.
The Bulls had a tough season and came close to falling out of the top ten. However, they managed to secure their pass to these Play-Ins, and right now, they are just one win away from achieving their goal.
On the other hand, the Miami Heat fell 105-104 at the 76ers after squandering a 14-point lead due to a worrying knee injury suffered by their star player, Jimmy Butler. The Sixers, seeded seventh heading into the playoffs, will play the New York Knicks in the first round.
The Heat need Butler to recover for this game against the Bulls, otherwise, it will be difficult for them to perform, even playing at home.
There is no doubt that we will have an exceptional and high-voltage game. However, this time, we are going for the home team, so our prediction is a win for the Miami Heat.
Heat vs. Bulls Betting Pick: Heat
NBA Play-In: Pelicans vs. Kings
When and Where?
Friday, April 19, 9:30 pm ET at the Smoothie King Center
Moneyline odds:
Pelicans 1.98
Kings 1.85
Where can I watch it?
It should be an entertaining matchup between the Pelicans and the Kings. The “feeling” in New Orleans is particularly peculiar because they lost the direct pass to the playoffs twice to the Los Angeles Lakers after having it in their hands. In addition, Zion Williamson suffered an injury during the game against and will not be able to play against the Kings.
Based on what we have seen throughout the season, the Pelicans depend a lot on Williamson for their offense, so it will be difficult for them to perform against the Kings.
On the other hand, Sacramento got the claws and achieved an excellent victory against the Golden State Warriors with a score of 118-94. In this game, we had Keegan Murray, Harrison Barnes, and De’Aaron Fox combined to lead their team to the win. In addition, the team’s defense neutralized Curry and company, so they will have a lot of determination in this defining game.
This game is definitive, meaning the winner gets into the playoffs, while the loser will have to start planning their 2024/25 season from the comfort of their home.
For this game, our prediction is a win for the Sacramento Kings.
Pelicans vs. Kings Betting Pick: Kings
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