The NBA Playoffs are just right around the corner. But, before we begin the biggest stage in NBA, the top 7 through 10 teams in each Conference must first battle it out to secure the last two spots for playoff contention.
This event, known as the Play-In tournament, was first introduced during the 2020 Playoffs in the NBA Bubble. This rule was created by the league to make the post-season more exciting while also preventing lower seeded teams from tanking.
The NBA regular season will officially end in a few days, marking the beginning of the said tournament. With that being said, NBA just announced the following matchups and their respective schedules for the Play-In.
Play-In Matchups, Schedules, and Odds
Eastern Conference
Game 1
- Brooklyn Nets (7th) will face the Cleveland Cavaliers (8th) for the locked-in 7th seed
- The loser will play against the winner of game 2 for the final (8th) spot
- Nets will host the Cavaliers at home (Barclays Arena) on April 12, 2022 (7 PM EST)
- Odds: Nets -320, Cavaliers +250
Game 2
- Atlanta Hawks (9th) will take on the Charlotte Hornets (10th)
- Whoever wins this game will play against the loser of game 1 for the final (8th) spot
- Hawks will host the Hornets at home (State Farm Arena) on April 13, 2022 (7 PM EST)
- Odds: Hawks -195, Hornets +165
Western Conference
Game 1
- Minnesota Timberwolves (7th) will go head-to-head against Los Angeles Clippers (8th). Whoever wins this game takes the 7th seed.
- The loser will play against the winner of game 2 for the final (8th) spot
- Wolves will host the Clippers at home (Target Center) on April 12, 2022 (9:30 PM EST)
- Odds: Clippers +115, Wolves -135
Game 2
- New Orleans Pelicans (9th) versus the San Antonio Spurs (10th)
- Whoever wins this game will play against the loser of game 1 for the final (8th) spot
- Pelicans will host the Spurs at home (Smoothie King Center) on April 13, 2022 (9:30 PM EST)
- Odds: Pelicans -220, Spurs +180
Player Availability and Injury Reports
Brooklyn Nets
- Kyrie Irving can now play at home (in Brooklyn)
- Ben Simmons (back) and Joe Harris (ankle) are both out for the rest of the season
Cleveland Cavaliers
- Collin Sexton (ankle) – out
- Jarrett Allen (fractured finger) – questionable
Atlanta Hawks
- John Collins (finger sprain) – questionable for the play-in/playoffs
- Bogdan Bogdanovic (knee) – has a high chance of participating in the Play-In
- Louis Williams (back) – out
Charlotte Hornets
- Gordon Hayward (foot injury) – is out indefinitely
Minnesota Timberwolves
- D’Angelo Russel (illness) – could play in the Play-In
- Karl-Anthony Towns (wrist) – could play in the Play-In
Los Angeles Clippers
- Kawhi Leonard (torn ACL) – out
- Norman Powell and Paul George are already back in action
New Orleans Pelicans
- Zion Williamson (foot injury) – is out for the rest of the season
- Brandon Ingram (hamstring) – questionable
- Jonas Valanciunas (ankle) – day-to-day
- Devonte Graham (knee) – questionable
San Antonio Spurs
- Lonnie Walker IV (low back) – day-to-day
- Doug McDermott (ankle sprain) – out
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