The much-awaited NBA play-in tournament is finally here where teams seeded No. 7 to 10 from each conference are to battle it out to claim the last few playoff spots.
Here at SBOTOP, we’ve already previewed the 7-vs-8 matchups tomorrow which will feature the Nets, Cavaliers, Timberwolves, and the Clippers. So this time around, we’ll take a look into the 9-vs-10 matchups.
The winner between the Hawks and the Hornets will take on the loser between the Nets and Cavaliers, while the winner of the Spurs and the Pelicans are going to face the loser between the Timberwolves and Clippers.
There won’t be a shortage of stars here in the play-in tournament and we expect fireworks given that their seasons are on the line.
Without further ado, continue to read on below for the full preview of our 9-vs-10 play-in matches.
Charlotte Hornets @ Atlanta Hawks
Two of the league’s flashiest point guards capable of creating NBA 2022 highlights in Trae Young and LaMelo Ball will face off for the fifth time this season. Neither the Hawks or the Hornets own the upper hand in their regular season head-to-heads with two wins apiece – making this quite an intriguing matchup.
Following an unlikely trip to the Eastern Conference Finals last season, Atlanta got off to a slow start. But theyhave hit their stride at the right time thanks to the re-emergence of Trae Young.
Young led the whole NBA in points and assists this year, which is quite impressive since Nate Archibald is the last player to have done this same exact feat during the 1972-73 season. The 23-year-old finished the season with averages of 28.4 points and 9.7 assists per game.
He has been carrying the Hawks all season and he’s likely to continue to do so without a consistent sidekick as John Collins remains out with finger and foot injuries, although they’ve proven that they can win games despite being undermanned.
With John Collins sidelined, De’Andre Hunter, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Danilo Gallinari, and Kevin Huerter will all play more minutes than usual.
On the other hand, LaMelo Ball will be getting his first taste of the postseason just like most of his teammates. The Hornets haven’t reached the playoffs since 2016 and they’ll look to end their drought once and for all.
Ball will be surrounded by Most Improved Player candidate Miles Bridges, Mason Plumlee, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Terry Rozier – who’s already reached to as far as the Eastern Conference Finals in 2018 with the Celtics. Gordon Hayward, who is one of their few veterans with significant playoff experience, is out indefinitely due to a foot injury.
Atlanta have been one of the hottest teams in these last few weeks and they have the playoff edge in this contest, although Charlotte are going to put up a valiant effort.
Betting Tip: Atlanta Hawks Asian Handicap -4.00 @ 1.81
San Antonio Spurs @ New Orleans Pelicans
The 10th-seeded Spurs will look to beat the 9th-seeded Pelicans when it counts. Prior to their play-in matchup, San Antonio own the regular season advantage with three wins in their last four encounters.
The key matchup here is between CJ McCollum and Dejounte Murray – two guards with contrasting styles but effective for their respective teams. McCollum is known more for his scoring and outside shooting, while Murray is more of an athletic slasher and a defencive menace.
McCollum came to New Orleans from Portland during the trade deadline and he helped saved their season. The Pelicans were once 1-12 to start, but he has been integral to their run at the play-in. In three games against the Spurs, the former Blazers guard put up 29.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game.
He won’t be alone, though, as he’ll be backstopped by Brandon Ingram, Jonas Valanciunas, Herbert Jones and Devonte’ Graham. Unfortunately, Zion Williamson – who has yet to play this year – is unlikely to make a comeback despite recent reports that he’s already practicing with the team.
Meanwhile, the Spurs’ young guns are going to get valuable experience regardless of the outcome of this game. Other than Murray, the Gregg Popovich-mentored squad still has the likes of Jakob Poeltl, Keldon Johnson, Josh Primo, and Devin Vassell.
Murray’s conditioning will be a talking point for the Spurs as he’s missed the last five games due to an upper respiratory illness. He should be ready to go against the Pelicans, but that may not be enough to swing the NBA 2022 odds into their favour.
Betting Tip: New Orleans Pelicans Asian Handicap -5.50 @ 2.00
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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