On Sunday, the 2023-24 common season wrapped up. Playoff matchups are usually not totally set in each conferences simply but. The play-in match nonetheless must occur this week. What groups will overcome the scenario they’re in and earn one of many last two playoff spots of their respective conferences?
Within the Western Convention, the #7 seed New Orleans Pelicans shall be internet hosting the #8 seed Los Angeles Lakers. It is a matchup we simply noticed on Sunday when the Lakers have been on the street to face New Orleans. Los Angeles gained 124-108 however their huge man Anthony Davis was coping with some lingering again points. Regardless of not taking part in your entire sport, Davis claims that he shall be obtainable for the play-in sport tonight on TNT at 7:30 p.m. EST.
Barring a setback, anticipate Anthony Davis to play for the Lakers within the play-in match sport
“Anthony Davis is probably the most overrated celebrity within the historical past of the NBA. Can’t depend on him…He’s at all times injured; he’s delicate, doesn’t play by means of ache, and you can’t depend on him to be there when you’ll want to win a sport.”😳
– @craigcartonlive
pic.twitter.com/OjTXsPSuB6
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 15, 2024
For the final two seasons, the historic Lakers franchise has needed to combat their means into the postseason. The highest six seeds in every convention get an automated playoff berth. Los Angeles has failed to do this within the 2023 and 2024 playoffs. Final season, the Lakers made the playoffs because the seventh seed and made a run to the NBA Finals. Nonetheless, they misplaced in 4 video games to the Denver Nuggets who went on to win the NBA Finals. In 2023-24, the Lakers tried to get one of many one of many prime six seeds.
That was not the case for the Lakers who had lingering accidents on the crew all season. Regardless of his damage historical past up to now, Anthony Davis stayed comparatively wholesome for the Lakers this season. He performed in 73 of their 82 video games. Of their last sport of the common season, Davis advised reporters afterward that his again locked up on him. Davis mentioned that he would have performed if it have been a must-win sport for the Lakers. Los Angeles faces a must-win tonight if they need the seventh seed within the West. The winner of tonight’s play-in match is ready for a first-round matchup with the defending champs.
Playoff spot at stake on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/6SXgufqjbU
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 14, 2024
Together with the 2023 Western Convention Finals, the Lakers have misplaced their final seven video games to the Nuggets. The Lakers have been swept within the WCF final season they usually misplaced all three regular-season matchups in 2023-24. Would Los Angeles be higher off dropping tonight and taking part in the winner of the #9 vs. #10 sport? The loser of the #7 vs. #8 sport will play the winner of the #9 vs. #10 for the eighth seed. That crew would then have a matchup with the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder. One of many hottest groups within the league this season. Nonetheless, they lack playoff expertise which might be their greatest flaw within the postseason. We’ll have to attend and see how the play-in match shakes out for the ultimate two seeds within the 2024 playoffs.
