With the addition of play-in games to the 2021 NBA playoffs, the scramble for seeding is wilder — and more important — than ever, with almost every game down the stretch having significant postseason implications.
Play-in matchups after Thursday’s games
Play-in games to be held Tuesday through Friday of next week
• How the play-in tournament will work
EAST
Game 1: No. 8 Charlotte at No. 7 Boston — winner is No. 7 seed in playoffs; loser moves on in play-in
Game 2: No. 10 Washington at No. 9 Indiana — winner moves on in play-in; loser is eliminated
Game 3: Washington/Indiana winner at Boston/Charlotte loser — winner is No. 8 seed in playoffs
WEST
Game 1: No. 8 Golden State at No. 7 Los Angeles Lakers — winner is No. 7 seed in playoffs; loser moves on in play-in
Game 2: No. 10 San Antonio at No. 9 Memphis — winner moves on in play-in; loser is eliminated
Game 3: Memphis/San Antonio winner at Lakers/Golden State loser — winner is No. 8 seed in playoffs
Teams that clinched Friday
Already in
EAST
Playoff spots: Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks
Play-in spots (seeds 7-10): Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, Indiana Pacers
WEST
Playoff spots: Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns, LA Clippers, Denver Nuggets
Play-in spots: Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies, San Antonio Spurs
Here’s a breakdown of the key games from Friday and what the results mean for the seedings:
The top seed in the East is officially settled, and it belongs to the Philadelphia 76ers. With a win over the Magic on Friday, the Sixers have clinched homecourt throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs, and maybe more importantly, positioned themselves on the opposite side of the bracket from the Nets and Bucks.
It’s the first time the Sixers have been the top seed since 2001, when Allen Iverson led them throughout the playoffs to the NBA Finals against the Lakers.
Who Philly plays in the first round will be determined through the play-in, with the Celtics, Hornets, Pacers and Wizards all in play for the 8-seed.
Taking the top seed is a boost, but not necessarily an accomplishment for the Sixers, with coach Doc Rivers downplaying its importance earlier in the week.
“I don’t look at the No. 1 seed as being this great achievement,” Rivers said. “I just think it’s great to have because of home-court (advantage). The ‘achievement’ is winning (the championship).” — Royce Young
With a win against the Cavaliers, the Washington Wizards have settled the final play-in spot for the East, securing at least a top-10 seed and therefore, eliminating the Chicago Bulls.
It’s been a striking turnaround for the Wizards, who on April 5, sat 17-32 and outside the East’s playoff picture. Since then, they’ve gone 16-6, which featured a seven-game winning streak, boosting them into the top 10.
With a game to go, there’s still more to play for as the Wizards are a game behind the Hornets and Pacers for the 8th and 9th spots. The difference between 8 and 9 is huge, obviously, going from a possible one-and-done game to needing to lose two games to be eliminated.
And guess what? The Wizards close the regular season against the Hornets on Sunday, while the Pacers finish with the Lakers (in what is a near must-win for LA). The Wizards hold the tiebreaker on the Pacers, which would bump them ahead if Washington closes with a win and the Lakers beat Indiana. The Hornets play the Knicks on Saturday, and with a win, lock up a higher spot than the Wizards by virtue of a 2-1 season series tiebreaker. But should the Hornets lose, it sets up a massive seeding game between Washington and Charlotte. — Young