NBA

NBA Play-In Tournament: Guide to the closest races in the Eastern and Western Conference

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#JaMorant

After the 2020-21 NBA season ends on May 16, the NBA Play-In Tournament begins on May 18 and will last through May 21, with the 2021 NBA Playoffs beginning on May 22.

For more on how the Play-In Tournament works, we've got you covered here.

MORE: Who is the most dangerous potential Play-In team?

Now, onto the races…

Eastern Conference | Western Conference

Through games played on Sunday, May 15.

Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament

No. 7 Boston Celtics vs. No. 8 Washington Wizards

No. 9 Indiana Pacers vs. No. 10 Charlotte Hornets

7. Boston Celtics

Record: 37-35

8. Washington Wizards

Record:  34-38

9. Indiana Pacers

Record: 34-38

10. Charlotte Hornets

Record:  33-39

Western Conference

No. 7 TBD vs. No. 8 Golden State Warriors

No. 9 Memphis Grizzlies vs. No. 10 San Antonio Spurs

play-in-scenarios-western-conference

6. Portland Trail Blazers

Record: 41-30

Remaining SOS:  .577

Tiebreakers:  2-1 vs. Mavericks, 2-1 vs. Lakers

With one game left on their schedule, Portland will need to beat the Nuggets to avoid the Play-In tournament for the second year in a row.

Final game: vs. Nuggets

7. Los Angeles Lakers

Record:  40-30

Tiebreakers : 1-2 vs. Trail Blazers, 1-2 vs. Mavericks

The defending champs as a Play-In team? A free fall in the West standings resulting from injuries to Anthony Davis and LeBron James means it's a realistic outcome. On the final day of the season, the Lakers can avoid the Play-In with a win and some help from the Nuggets, who would need to defeat the lakers.

Los Angeles can only finish in sixth or seventh.

Final game: vs. Pelicans

8. Golden State Warriors

Record: 39-33

9. Memphis Grizzlies

Record: 38-34

10. San Antonio Spurs

Record: 33-39

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Author(s)
Gilbert McGregor Photo

Gilbert McGregor is an NBA content producer for The Sporting News.