NBA Play-In Tournament Kicks Off with High Stakes and Expert Predictions
As the 2025 NBA play-in tournament gets underway, basketball fans are in for a thrilling week of high-stakes matchups. The tournament, which began on Tuesday and will conclude on Friday, features eight teams battling it out for the final four spots in the playoffs. This format has added an extra layer of excitement to the postseason, as teams on the bubble have one last chance to secure their place in the playoffs.
On Tuesday night, Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors faced off against their Western Conference rivals, the Memphis Grizzlies, in the 7-8 game. The Warriors emerged victorious, securing their spot in the playoffs. Meanwhile, in the Eastern Conference, the Orlando Magic delivered a commanding performance against the Atlanta Hawks, clinching the No. 7 seed. This victory sets up a first-round showdown with the defending champion Boston Celtics, a matchup that promises to be a must-watch for basketball enthusiasts.
Wednesday’s action features two 9-10 play-in matchups: the Miami Heat versus the Chicago Bulls and the Dallas Mavericks against the Sacramento Kings. These games are do-or-die, with the losers heading home and the winners advancing to Friday’s play-in for each conference’s No. 8 seed. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and fans can expect intense competition as teams fight to keep their playoff hopes alive.
The first round of the playoffs is set to tip off on Saturday, with the 3-6 and 4-5 matchups from each conference. The top seeds, No. 1 and No. 2, will host their Game 1s against the play-in tournament winners on Sunday. As the NBA’s biggest superstars prepare to take the postseason stage, anticipation is building for what promises to be an electrifying playoff season.
Before the action unfolds, our NBA experts have weighed in with their picks for every play-in game and first-round series. Here’s a look at their predictions:
- West: (10) Dallas Mavericks at (9) Sacramento Kings
- Jamal Collier: Kings
- Chris Herring: Kings
- Bobby Marks: Kings
- Dave McMenamin: Mavericks
- Kevin Pelton: Kings
- Jorge Sedano: Mavericks
- Ramona Shelburne: Kings
- Marc J. Spears: Kings
- Jeremy Woo: Kings
- Ohm Youngmisuk: Mavericks
Final tally: Kings 7, Mavericks 3
- East: Miami Heat (10) at Chicago Bulls (9)
- Jamal Collier: Bulls
- Chris Herring: Bulls
- Tim MacMahon: Bulls
- Bobby Marks: Heat
- Dave McMenamin: Bulls
- Kevin Pelton: Bulls
- Jorge Sedano: Heat
- Ramona Shelburne: Heat
- Marc J. Spears: Heat
- Jeremy Woo: Bulls
- Ohm Youngmisuk: Heat
Final tally: Bulls 6, Heat 5
As we look ahead to the first round of the playoffs, the matchups are set to deliver plenty of drama and excitement. In the East, the Boston Celtics, who secured the No. 2 seed, will face the Orlando Magic. Our experts are unanimous in their belief that the Celtics will prevail, with predictions ranging from a sweep to a six-game series.
Meanwhile, the New York Knicks, holding the No. 3 seed, are set to take on the Detroit Pistons. The consensus among our experts is that the Knicks will come out on top, with predictions varying from a five-game to a seven-game series.
In the West, the Houston Rockets, the No. 2 seed, will face a tough challenge from the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors, led by the ever-dynamic Stephen Curry, are favored by most of our experts to win the series, with predictions of a six or seven-game battle.
Finally, the Los Angeles Lakers, the No. 3 seed, are set to clash with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Our experts are confident in the Lakers’ ability to advance, with predictions of a six or seven-game series.
As the NBA playoffs get underway, fans can expect a thrilling ride filled with unforgettable moments and intense competition. Stay tuned for all the action and expert analysis as the postseason unfolds.
Originally Written by: NBA insiders
