4. One Play-In Team Advances To Second Round
This year’s crop of teams in the NBA Play-In Tournament is especially strong. Last year four teams had losing records participating in the tournament. This year, there are only two in the Pelicans and Spurs.
The Brooklyn Nets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and LA Clippers all won at least 42 games this season.
Some of those teams came into the season with some expectations. The Nets were championship favorites, the Hawks advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals last year and the Clippers were considered playoff contenders still despite not having Kawhi Leonard for the season.
All of the teams participating in the NBA Play-In Tournament will present some obstacles for the top-seeded teams in the conferences to combat. At least one of the teams that are taking part in the tournament will advance to the postseason.
LATEST NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS INFO: NBA Playoffs 2022: 3 Keys in Nets-Cavaliers Play-In Matchup
The Nets, with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving leading the way, could be favorites in a first-round matchup with the Boston Celtics or Miami Heat if they can make the field of eight. In the Western Conference, the LA Clippers will present some issues given their depth and experience.
