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The 2024-25 NBA regular season has concluded and eight NBA teams will now fight for the final four postseason spots via the NBA Play-In Tournament, which begins on Tuesday, April 15. This tournament concludes on Thursday, April 18.
Until then, both the Eastern Conference and Western Conference will have to wait to see which teams earn the #7 and #8 seeds in their respective conferences. From there, the NBA Playoffs will be set as 16 teams compete for the 2024-25 NBA Championship.
Keep reading as we breakdown the NBA Play-In Tournament teams, how the tournament works, and make our NBA Picks on which teams advance to the NBA Playoffs.
When Is The NBA Play-In Tournament?
The NBA Play-In Tournament runs from April 15 to April 18, 2025, and breaks down as follows:
Tuesday, April 15, 2025:
- Eastern: Atlanta Hawks (8) at Orlando Magic (7)
- Western: Memphis Grizzlies (8) at Golden State Warriors (7)
Wednesday, April 16, 2025:
- Eastern: Miami Heat (10) at Chicago Bulls (9)
- Western: Dallas Mavericks (10) at Sacramento Kings (9)
Thursday, April 18, 2025:
- Eastern: Hawks vs. Magic loser plays the Heat vs. Bulls winner
- Western: Grizzlies vs. Warriors loser players the Mavs vs. Kings winner
How Does The NBA Play-In Tournament Work?
The current NBA Play-In Tournament format was first implemented in 2021-22 after a successful variation was used in the 2020-21 season due to covid.
This NBA tournament is designed to inspire teams to keep competing during the regular season in order to make the Play-In and fight for a Playoff spot.
The NBA Play-In Tournament will determine the no.7 and no.8 seeds in each conference. The following is a brief summary of the tournament rules:
7th Seed vs. 8th Seed
Each Conference’s 7th seed in the standings will host the 8th seed to start off the Play-In Tournament. The winners of this game automatically advance to the NBA Playoffs as the no.7 seed in their respective Conference.
9th Seed vs. 10th Seed
On the second day of the tournament, each Conference’s no.9 seed will host the no.10 seed. The winners of this game will advance to the final round of the Play-In Tournament where they will meet the loser of the No. 7 vs. No. 8 game.
The losers of the No. 9 vs. No. 10 contests are eliminated from the NBA Play-In tournament and their seasons are over.
Loser of 7-8 vs. Winner of 9-10
The third, and final day of the tournament, will pit the losers of the no.7 vs. no.8 game against the winners of the no.9 vs. no.10 game.
The winning teams of the final tournament game will advance to the NBA Playoffs as the 8th seed in their respective conferences. The losing teams are eliminated from the Play-In Tournament and their seasons are over with.
NBA Play-In Tournament Odds
Check out the latest NBA odds on which teams will make the NBA Playoffs:
| NBA Team | Odds | Predictions |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Hawks | Y (-340)/N (+250) | No (+250) |
| Chicago Bulls | Y (+375)/N (-550) | Yes (+375) |
| Dallas Mavericks | Y (+700)/N (-1200) | No (-1200) |
| Golden State Warriors | Y (-3000)/N (+1200) | Yes (-3000) |
| Memphis Grizzlies | Y (-450)/N (+320) | No (+320) |
| Miami Heat | Y (+320)/N (-450) | No (-450) |
| Orlando Magic | Y (-800)/N (+500) | Yes (-800) |
| Sacramento Kings | Y (+425)/N (-650) | Yes (+425) |
The Golden State Warriors (-3000) are the biggest favorite to make the NBA Playoffs. Conversely, the Dallas Mavericks (+700) are the biggest longshot to make the Playoffs. The other six teams fall between this wide range.
The best handicappers are leaning towards the Warriors, Grizzlies, Magic, and Hawks making the postseason. Let’s breakdown the games in each round before making our predictions as to which teams make the NBA Playoffs.
NBA Play-In Tournament Predictions
Check out our predictions for the upcoming NBA Play-In Tournament games with the latest odds from the top sports betting sites:
Atlanta Hawks (40-42) vs. Orlando Magic (41-41) Odds
| Teams | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Hawks | +165 | +5.0 (-110) | O 217.0 (-110) |
| Orlando Magic | -200 | -5.0 (-110) | U 217.0 (-110) |
This game will be a battle of Atlanta’s offense vs. Orlando’s defense. The Hawks rank 6th in the NBA as they score 118.2 ppg. That’s also the second-best mark in the Eastern Conference. Additionally, they shoot 47% from the field, which is 14th best in the league.
Atlanta went 19-22 in road games this year. However, they were 30-22 in Conference games and 10-6 in Divisional matchups. The Hawks are led by Trae Young (24.2 ppg, 11.6 apg) and Dyson Daniels (14.1 ppg, 3.0 spg). Midseason acquisition De’Andre Hunter has chipped in 19 ppg since joining the team.
The Orlando Magic went 22-19 in home games, 12-4 in Divisional games, and 31-21 in Conference matchups.
Orlando features the top defense in the NBA as they allow 103.5 ppg. Additionally, they’re 10th in opposing FG% at 45.72% and first in Total Rebounds at 41.2 rpg. Offensively, they’re led by Paolo Banchero (25.9 ppg) and Franz Wagner (24.2 ppg). Each player also contributes at least 5.7 rebounds per game as well.
The Magic finished off the season going 7-3 in their last 10 games, while the Hawks went 5-5 to close out the year.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Orlando Magic Predictions
The Hawks have gone 6-4 vs. the Magic in their last 10 meetings, but Orlando is 2-1 in the last three matchups.
The teams have been pretty evenly matched in those last three battles. However, the Magic were also 2-1 ATS versus the Hawks.
I like the Magic in this matchup. They’ve posted a winning record at home, but they’ve also gone 32-16 SU as the favorite. The Hawks are 19-23 SU in road games and 21-30 SU as the Underdog this season.
I see Orland’s magic clamping down on the Hawks and holding them well below their season average of 118 ppg. The Magic defense will grind out the win and lead Orlando to the no.7 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Bet: Orlando Magic (-200), Magic -5.0 (-110), Under 217.0 (-110)
Memphis Grizzlies (48-34) vs. Golden State Warriors (48-34) Odds
| Teams | Moneylines | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis Grizzlies | +235 | +6.5 (-110) | O 228.5 (-110) |
| Golden State Warriors | -290 | -6.5 (-110) | U 228.5 (-110) |
The Golden State Warriors lost in OT to the Los Angeles Clippers, which resulted in the Dubs falling to the 7th seed and a spot in the Play-In Tournament. However, they’re the biggest favorite to win their NBA Play-In Tournament game and to make the Playoffs.
Despite the loss, the Warriors finished 7-3 to close out the season. They’ve been incredible since trading for Jimmy Butler at the NBA Trade Deadline. Speaking of Butler, he’s averaging 17.5ppg over his last 10 games, which is on par with his season totals.
Steph Curry has scored 24.5 ppg this season with 6 assists per game. Jonathan Kuminga has stepped up since his injury and has also contributed 15.3 ppg. Second year player Brandin Podziemski has given this team more scoring depth and play from the guard position as he scores 11.7 ppg in just 26.8 minutes per game.
The Memphis Grizzlies have dropped in the standings like an anchor. They were once in the Top 3 positions but fell to no.8 and also went 4-6 to close out the regular season. Furthermore, they fired their head coach less than a month ago and enter the Play-In Tournament with plenty of inconsistencies.
The Grizz have a three-headed monster with Ja Morant (23.2 ppg, 7.3 apg), Jaren Jackson Jr. (22.2 ppg, 5.5 rpg) and Desmond Bayne (19.2 ppg, 6.1 rpg). When these three are hot, the Grizz are tough to beat. Well, that’s if their 23rd ranked defense don’t give up a ton of points.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Golden State Warriors Predictions
I have a hard time seeing the Grizz going into the Bay Area and upsetting the Warriors. Memphis has a wildly inconsistent defense that gives up 117.8 ppg, which is five points more than the Warriors average per game (112.3ppg).
Conversely, the Grizz have the #2 offense at 119.9 ppg and the Warriors have the #7 defense at 109.9 ppg.
Memphis does a great job on the offensive glass as they rank first, but they’re 16th in defensive rebounds and the Warriors are 9th overall in the rebound department.
In their last 10 head-to-head meetings, the Warriors are 6-4 SU. Golden State is 24-17 SU in home games and 37-19 SU as a favorite this season. The Grizz are 22-19 SU on the road and 9-21 SU as the underdog this season.
I see the Warriors’ defense slowing down this high scoring Memphis offense. And, if they have to, the Warriors can outscore the Grizz, which they did in their last matchup by the score of 134 to 125. Three weeks prior, Golden State beat Memphis 121 to 113.
So, whether it’s a shootout or defensive game, the Warriors have the advantages in this matchup and should win this game.
I would avoid the spread and Total for this matchup, as it’s unclear as to which Grizzlies team will show up. Will it be the Memphis team that average nearly 120 ppg or the Grizz that went 4-6 in their final 10 games and scored 116.8 ppg? I think it’s the latter.
Bet: Golden State Warriors (-290)
Miami Heat (37-45) vs. Chicago Bulls (39-43) Odds
| Teams | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami Heat | -105 | +1.0 (-110) | O 219.0 (-110) |
| Chicago Bulls | -115 | -1.0 (-110) | U 219.0 (-110) |
The Miami Heat have been a disappointment this season. This team was supposed to win their division and be a contender in the Eastern Conference Playoffs. Instead, they were caught in a soap opera with Jimmy Butler and forced to trade him.
The Heat didn’t really improve after the Bulter trade. They continued to play inconsistent basketball and finished the regular season with poor numbers across the board.
Miami’s offense ranks 24th in scoring (109.5 ppg) and 25th in FG% (45%). Fortunately, they’re playing against a Bulls defense that’s 27th in the league as they allow 118.8 ppg. In other words, Chicago has one of the worst scoring defenses in the league.
They also give up the second most rebounds per game, which bodes well for Miami that is 9th in rebounding. The Heat are led by Tyler Herro (23.9 ppg), Andrew Wiggins (19.0 ppg), and Bam Adebayo (17ppg, 9.6 rpg). Wiggins came over in the Butler trade.
Despite being a Top 5 defense in points allowed (109.5 ppg), Field Goal% (45.99%), and Three Point% (35.25%), Miami struggles to score and win games.
The Bulls are 10th in scoring (116.56 ppg), second in rebounds (46.83 rpg), and third in Free Throw % (81.32%). They’re led by Coby White (20.4 ppg), Nikol Vucevic (18.5 ppg, 10.1 rpg) and Josh Giddey (14.6 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 7.2 apg). The latter is having a stellar season after most people wrote him off last year.
Even Kevin Huerter is chipping in 13.2 ppg after the Kings traded him to the Bulls for Zach Lavine. Speaking of Lavine, most pundits felt that the Bulls would tank after trading their top scorer. Instead, they made a run at the Play-In Tournament and went 7-3 to close out the season.
Miami Heat vs. Chicago Bulls Predictions
The Heat are 18-23 SU on the road and 11-27 SU as the Underdog. Additionally, they’re 0-3 SU in their last three games versus the Bulls.
Chicago outscored the Heat 122.0 ppg to 114.6 ppg in those three meetings. The Bulls only 18-23 SU at home but went 5-1 in home games to close out the season and make the Play-In. Additionally, they’re 14-9 SU as the favorite.
I like the Bulls in this matchup. I think Miami lacks the scoring punch to win this road game. Vucevic matches up well with Adebayo, and the duo of White and Giddey will be too much for Miami to handle.
Chicago will advance to the next round of the Play-In Tournament, while the Heat try and figure out how to improve their roster in the offseason.
Bet: Chicago Bulls (-115), Bulls -1.0 (-110)
Dallas Mavericks (39-43) vs. Sacramento Kings (40-42) Odds
| Teams | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Mavericks | +165 | +5.0 (-110) | O 217.0 (-110) |
| Sacramento Kings | -200 | -5.0 (-110) | U 217.0 (-110) |
The final first round game of the Play-In Tournament sees the Dallas Mavericks head to California to take on the Sacramento Kings. Both teams struggled down the stretch run of the regular season due to injuries.
For the Mavs, you can also add the trade of Luka Doncic and the injury to Kyrie Irving as big reasons why this team was lucky to even make the Play-In Tournament.
That’s the team’s two top scorers gone and leaving a huge hole on the offensive side of the court. Anthony Davis is averaging 20 ppg and 10.1 rpg, but he has struggled against Domantas Sabonis in the past.
Lay Thompson and P.J. Washington will be called on to help this team score. They combined to average 28.7 ppg. Will it be enough?
The Kings will be without Malik Monk, who is their primary ball handler. Although they have done well using Lavin and DeRozan to bring up the ball, it’s not the same has having Monk.
Lavine is averaging 22.4 ppg since joining Sacramento. DeRozan is averaging 22.2 ppg, Sabonis at 19.1 ppg, and Murray at 12.4 ppg. Yet, they will miss Monk’s 17 ppg and 5.6 assists per game.
Ultimately, this game is going to come down to which team can play the better defense.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Sacramento Kings Predictions
In their last three head-to-head matchups, the Kings are 3-0 versus Dallas. Furthermore, Sacramento has average 120.3 ppg over that span, and has given up just 108.6 ppg.
Neither team ranks high in defense, but they both can score as Dallas is 14th (114.5 ppg) and Sacramento is 12th (116.2 ppg). Defensively, the Kings give up 115.1 ppg (21st) and the Mavs give up 118.9 ppg (25th).
I see Sabonis outplaying Davis per usual. I also see the duo of DeRozan and Lavine outscoring the duo of Washington and Thompson. Dallas is the one team that Sacramento has more depth than and overall talent. I expect those differences to be evident in this game as the Kings win at home.
The Kings are 31-21 SU as the favorite, while the Mavs are 17-30 SU. I like Dallas to cover as the Kings went 16-25 ATS at home. Additionally, Dallas saw the Over go 28-14 in road games, while Sacramento saw the Over go 23-17-1 in home games.
Bet: Sacramento Kings -200, Mavericks +5 (-110), Over 217 (-110)
Which NBA Play-in Tournament Teams Make The NBA Playoffs?
The Warriors and Magic are almost guaranteed to make the Playoffs. I believe both teams will win their first Play-In games and take the no.7 seeds in their respective conferences.
From there, I’m going with a few surprises. I’m picking the Chicago Bulls to beat the Heat and Hawks to advance as the no.8 seed in the Eastern Conference.
In the Western Conference, I’m taking the Kings to beat the Mavericks and upset the Grizzlies to capture the no.8 seed.
Bet: Golden State (-3000), Orlando (-800), Chicago (+375), Sacramento (+425)
