Matchups: (8) Hawks @ (7) Magic (7:30 PM ET, TNT); (8) Grizzlies @ (7) Warriors (10:00 PM ET, TNT).
Stakes: Winners secure the No. 7 seed in their respective conferences. Losers play the winners of the 9-10 games on Friday for the No. 8 seed.
Expert Leans: Most analysts favor the home teams, predicting wins for the Magic and Warriors, citing Orlando's defense and home court, and Golden State's experience and late-season form since acquiring Jimmy Butler. However, some see the Hawks' offense and experience as a potential upset factor.
Key Players: Eyes are on Paolo Banchero & Franz Wagner (Magic), Trae Young & Dyson Daniels (Hawks), Steph Curry & Jimmy Butler (Warriors), and Ja Morant & Jaren Jackson Jr. (Grizzlies).
Betting Lines: As of Tuesday morning, the Magic are favored by 5.5 points, and the Warriors are favored by 7.5 points.
Why this matters: These games determine the initial playoff bracket structure. Teams are fighting for their postseason lives, making for high-intensity basketball.
Hawks vs. Magic: This matchup presents a clash of styles. The Hawks, led by assist leader Trae Young and defensive standout Dyson Daniels, boast a top-5 offense and play at the league's third-fastest pace. The Magic counter with the league's slowest pace and the stingiest defense, allowing the fewest points per game this season. Orlando relies heavily on the offensive output of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. While the season series was split 2-2, Orlando won two of three when both Banchero and Wagner played. Betting odds slightly favor Banchero having a high-scoring game due to Atlanta's defensive matchups. Home court and Orlando's physicality could be deciding factors.
Grizzlies vs. Warriors: This is a rematch of the 2021 Play-In game where Memphis eliminated Golden State. The Warriors, bolstered by the mid-season acquisition of Jimmy Butler, have shown a top-tier defense down the stretch and possess championship experience with Curry, Butler, and Draymond Green. Memphis brings a high-powered offense (2nd in PPG) led by Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr., but has struggled with consistency and road wins (11-30 record, 0-8 in California). Analysts point to the Warriors' defensive strength, particularly protecting the paint, and coaching advantage as key reasons they are favored. Memphis needs everything to click to pull off the road upset.
Q: How does the NBA Play-In Tournament work?
A: The 7th-place team hosts the 8th-place team. The winner gets the 7th seed. The 9th-place team hosts the 10th-place team; the loser is eliminated. The loser of the 7-8 game then hosts the winner of the 9-10 game, with the winner of that final game securing the 8th seed.
Q: Who are the key players to watch tonight?
A: Paolo Banchero (ORL), Franz Wagner (ORL), Trae Young (ATL), Dyson Daniels (ATL), Steph Curry (GSW), Jimmy Butler (GSW), Ja Morant (MEM), Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM).
Q: Has a No. 10 seed ever made the playoffs through the Play-In?
A: No, through the first four years of the current format, no 10th-place team has advanced to the playoffs. 7th-place teams have always advanced (either as the 7th or 8th seed).
Tonight's games offer high drama as playoff spots are on the line.
Expect a contrast in styles: Atlanta's speed vs. Orlando's defense, and Golden State's experience vs. Memphis' explosive offense.
Key player performances, particularly from stars like Curry, Morant, Banchero, and Young, will be crucial.
Home-court advantage could play a significant role, especially for Orlando.
The predictions lean towards the Magic and Warriors, but Play-In games can be unpredictable. Which teams do you think will secure the 7th seeds tonight? Let us know your thoughts!
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Yahoo Sports: 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament predictions: Will Steph Curry, Warriors advance vs. Grizzlies? target="_blank"
NBA.com: Starting 5, April 15: Who takes a playoff spot tonight? target="_blank"
ESPN: NBA betting: Four bets that stand out for Tuesday's play-in games target="_blank"
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