The 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament promises thrilling battles for playoff spots. Rising stars clash with seasoned veterans. Unexpected upsets loom large. Who will secure their postseason destiny? Come take a look at my NBA Play-In predictions.
NBA Play-In Predictions
Tuesday, April 15th, 2025
Hawks vs Magic (-4.5, 218.5)
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks finished 40-42, improving despite injuries. Trae Young led with stellar playmaking. Defense faltered late, allowing high points. They earned a Play-In spot with their resilience.
The Hawks split the series with the Magic, showcasing pace on the court. Young’s offense challenges Orlando’s defense. The Magic have size, led by Banchero that could test Atlanta. Close games hinge on execution.
Orlando Magic
The Magic ended the season with a 45-37, exceeding expectations. Paolo Banchero emerged as a star in the league. Their defense anchored the success they were having. The Play-In berth was secured by their momentum.
The Magic split games with the Hawks, thriving inside the paint. Banchero’s power exploits Atlanta’s weak interior. The Hawk’s speed, led by Young, is going to test Orlando. Rebounding will decide close games.
NBA Play-In Predictions
The Pick: Orlando Magic -4.5 (-120)
Orlando’s elite defense is going to stifle Atlanta’s offense. Banchero’s dominance exploits the Hawks’ weak frontcourt. Magic’s home crowd boosts the momentum for them. I think the Magic’s consistent execution favors them covering the -4.5.
The Hawks struggle with Orlando’s physicality inside. Young faces tough perimeter defense as well. Magic’s rebounding edge will limit second chances for the Hawks. The depth for the Magic will ensure a steady lead and cover.
NBA Play-In Predictions
Tuesday, April 15th, 2025
Grizzlies vs Warriors (-7, 230.5)
Memphis Grizzlies
Grizzlies ended their season with a 47-34 record, showing grit despite dealing with injuries. Ja Morant’s return sparked an efficient offense. Their defense ranked high, securing a spot in the Play-In Tournament. The Grizzlies’ depth helped fuel the late surge ending the regular season.
The Grizzlies’ interior play challenges the Warriors small ball. Morant’s speed will test Golden State’s guards. The Warriors’ shooting will stretch Memphis thin. But I think the rebounding edge favors the Grizzlies.
Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors finished with a 46-36 record, leaning on their experience. Steph Curry’s shooting carried the offense with the help and addition of Jimmy Butler. The Warriors played great defense late, earning them a spot in the Play-In Tournament. One issue that the Warriors have is their depth.
The Warriors’ perimeter game is going to test the Grizzlies’ defense. Curry and Butler are going to have to exploit the Memphis guards. The Grizzlies size, led by Jackson, are going to challenge Golden State. Pace is going to be decided by the Warriors and how they want to move in their transitions.
The Pick: Over 230.5 (-110)
The Grizzlies and Warriors both play fast-paced styles. Curry’s shooting ignites high scoring runs for the Warriors. On the other side, Morant’s drives create open looks for his teammates. I think both defenses are going to struggle to contain the offenses.
Both teams thrive in transition scoring. Limited rim protection is going to allow easy buckets. The three-point volume from Golden State might be too much for Memphis to keep up with. Expect a shootout, give me the over 230.5 points.
NBA Play-In Predictions
Wednesday, April 16th, 2025
Heat vs Bulls (-1, 220.5)
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat finished the season with a 37-45 record, battling injuries. Bam Adebayo was the anchor for the team on both ends of the court. The offense did struggle, but the coaching and culture shone. Now getting a shot at redemption shot in the Play-In Tournament.
The Heat went 0-3 vs the Bulls this year, losing all close games. Adebayo is going to challenge Vucevic’s rebounding. I believe the Bulls guards will exploit the Heat’s perimeter. This game is going to come down to the turnover battle and who turns the ball over the least.
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls went 39-43, showing resilience throughout the year. Colby White and Zach LaVine fueled the offense. The defense wavered, but the youth gained a lot of traction. The Bulls secured a spot in the Play-In through hustle and determination.
The Bulls swept the Heat series going 3-0 this season. I think LaVine and White will exploit Miami’s depleted wings. Vucevic is going to battle Adebayo down low in this game. Chicago’s guard play is going to overwhelm the Heat’s backcourt.
The Pick: Chicago Bulls ML (-112)
The Bulls swept the Heat this season going 3-0 straight up. Between Colby White and Zach LaVine, their scoring is going to outmatch the Heat’s offense. Chicago’s depth will handle the Heat’s injuries. Momentum does favor the Bulls, winning three straight to end the regular season.
The Bulls’ guards are going to exploit the Heat’s weak perimeter. Vucevic will neutralize Abebayo’s impact inside the paint. Plus, the Heat’s offense struggles without rhythm. The Bulls will control the pace of the game and secure the win, give me the Bulls to win.
NBA Play-In Predictions
Wednesday, April 16th, 2025
Mavericks vs Kings (-5, 217.5)
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks finished 39-43, slipping to the 10th spot in the West. Injuries and crazy trades plagued the team and hampered the offense. The defense improved late, earning a spot in the Play-In Tournament.
The Kings swept the Mavs, 3-0 this season. DeRozan’s scoring is going to test Dallas’ perimeter. Anthony Davis is going to battle Sabonis inside the paint. Turnovers could doom the Mavericks chances in this game.
Sacramento Kings
The Kings ended the season with a 40-42 record, securing the ninth seed. Sabonis dominated the season with his versatility. Their defense tightened, fueling a spot in the Play-In Tournament. The Kings offense carried them late in the season winning three of their last five games.
The Kings swept the Mavs 3-0, controlling the pace in these games. Sabonis has outmuscled Dallas’ frontcourt. DeRozan exploits Dallas’ weak perimeter defense. Sacramento’s depth is going to overwhelm the Mavericks.
The Pick: Sacramento Kings -5 (-106)
The Kings swept the Mavs 3-0, dominating their matchups. Sabonis is going to overpower Dallas’ interior defense. DeRozan’s scoring exploits weak wings that the Mavericks have. Losing Luka a few months ago is really going to hurt the Mavericks in a win or go home game.
The Mavericks’ injuries will limit their offensive flows throughout the game. The Kings’ depth will wear down the Mavericks. Sabonis should control the boards, limiting second chances for the Mavericks. Fast pace favors the Kings which should lead to them getting the cover.
