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2025 NBA Play-In Tournament Predictions: Will Steph Curry and the Warriors Advance?

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playintournament

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction: The Play-In Format
  2. Eastern Conference Play-In: Magic vs. Hawks (7th Seed Matchup)
  3. Western Conference Play-In: Warriors vs. Grizzlies (7th Seed Matchup)
  4. Eastern Conference Play-In: Heat vs. Bulls (Elimination Game)
  5. Western Conference Play-In: Kings vs. Mavericks (Elimination Game)

1. Introduction: The Play-In Format

The NBA Play-In Tournament tips off with high-stakes matchups for playoff seeding. On Tuesday, the Magic face the Hawks, and the Warriors host the Grizzlies, with winners claiming the No. 7 seeds in their conferences. Losers get one more shot on Friday. On Wednesday, Bulls-Heat and Kings-Mavs face off in do-or-die showdowns — the winners move on, losers are eliminated.

2. Eastern Conference Play-In: Magic vs. Hawks (Winner gets 7th seed)

Final Score: Magic 120, Hawks 95

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Analyst Predictions:

  • Ben Rohrbach: Picks Magic, citing dominance by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner when matched up with Atlanta.
  • Dan Titus: Chooses Hawks, betting on Trae Young’s play-in experience and Atlanta’s fast-paced offense.
  • Morten Stig Jensen: Also leans Hawks, impressed by their offensive versatility and breakout wing Zaccharie Risacher.
  • Tom Haberstroh: Picks Magic, citing their physical defense and home-court advantage.

3. Western Conference Play-In: Warriors vs. Grizzlies (Winner gets 7th seed)

Current Score: Tied at 96 in 4th Quarter (9:43 left)

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Analyst Predictions:

  • Dan Titus: Warriors — Cites Grizzlies’ poor road record and Warriors’ defensive strengths.
  • Morten Stig Jensen: Warriors — Highlights the addition of Jimmy Butler and questions Memphis’ offensive consistency.
  • Tom Haberstroh: Warriors — Notes their elite defense since acquiring Butler and Grizzlies’ road struggles.
  • Ben Rohrbach: Warriors — Stresses experience of Curry and Butler versus Memphis’ transitional state post-Taylor Jenkins.

4. Eastern Conference Play-In: Heat vs. Bulls (Loser eliminated)

Upcoming: Thursday, 7:30 AM (ESPN) | Line: CHI -1.5 | O/U: 219.5

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Analyst Predictions:

  • Morten Stig Jensen: Heat, though notes Bulls are the more entertaining team.
  • Tom Haberstroh: Heat, citing recent momentum and potential defensive impact from Davion Mitchell.
  • Ben Rohrbach: Bulls, calling them the East’s second-best team since March 6, fueled by Josh Giddey and high-effort play.
  • Dan Titus: Heat, trusting experience and defensive edge to disrupt the Bulls’ rhythm.

5. Western Conference Play-In: Mavericks vs. Kings (Loser eliminated)

Upcoming: Thursday, 10:00 AM (ESPN) | Line: SAC -4.5 | O/U: 215.5

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Analyst Predictions:

  • Tom Haberstroh: Mavs, conditional on Anthony Davis’ health and dominance in the paint.
  • Dan Titus: Kings, citing Dallas’ lack of offensive weapons and Sacramento’s improved interior defense.
  • Morten Stig Jensen: Kings, backing Zach LaVine’s scoring potential and Dallas’ lack of cohesion.
  • Ben Rohrbach: Kings, viewing the Mavericks’ season as a disaster post-Dončić trade and injury to Kyrie Irving.
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