The 2021 NBA Playoffs + Play-In – All You Need To Know.

The NBA regular season has come to an end in a very dramatic way, making way for the real show to start. This year, similar to the last, the league decided to go ahead with the “Play-In” tournament making it even more exciting for some but dreadful to others. Whether you support the idea or not, no true fan will say no to some extra matchups to spice things up a bit. Don’t worry, we will explain everything to you and make things easier. This is the 2021 NBA Playoffs + Play-In – All You Need To Know.

The Format

There have been a lot of controversial talk regarding the league’s new format. However, a little added drama won’t hurt anyone. Now that the regular season is over and the teams locked their places, let’s take a look at what’s coming our way.

Here are the matchups that will go down for this year’s playoffs. For the full schedule, you can click here.

Play-In Explained

If the Lakers beat the Warriors, they will automatically move to face Phoenix in the playoffs. However, if they lose they will face the winner of Memphis/Spurs to decide who will go on to face the Utah in the 1st round. Not so complicated, win and you automatically advance. Lose and you will have another chance to go through, and face the Nb 1 seed. Same goes for the East with the Celtics taking on the Wizards, while Indiana will battle the Hornets. We could end up having a Brooklyn/Celtics 1st round matchup.

The Reigning Champs

The Lakers closed out what was a very intense season for them in the 7th seed. The champs left it late as they were tied with Portland and Dallas, heading to the end of the season. Eventually, they went on a 5 games winning streak while Portland won their last game against Denver to secure the 6th spot. Did Denver lose that on purpose to avoid playing the Lakers? The good news is that they finally got LeBron and AD back, so they can consider the extra game as a preparation and chemistry boost for the long run. That being said, no one will refuse a Bron-Curry matchup. Things will get interested on Wednesday.

If you’re the Lakers you are most probably thinking that this could have been avoided. However, if you think about it you’ll find that this is the perfect scenario to get the chemistry back. Going in with a 5 game winning streak, facing a solid Warriors team with an MVP player. As long as the Lakers are locked in, this should be a good “practice” for what’s coming.

NBA Playoffs – Personal View

In my opinion, this is one of the best playoffs matchups we had in a long time. All the teams are legitimate contenders with a lot to prove. Who do you think will have the best chance of making it to the final? And eventually winning the trophy? This is your place to say what you think and predict. Here is my personal opinion below. Feel free to comment and share yours:

West Side

The Warriors will not leave without a fight, however the Lakers should have enough to beat them and advance. The champs are well prepared and can face any type of ball, including the small one. Put AD at the 5 and they will be fine. On the other hand, I think Memphis have a better chance at beating the Spurs. So eventually we will have a Utah/Memphis and Lakers/Suns first round. With that being said, Lakers and Utah will advance respectively. Denver and Portland will be one of the most exciting matchup, but in the end Denver will prove to be too strong. Same goes for the Clippers. So we will have DEN/LAL & UTH/LAC. I’m personally hoping for a Los Angeles battle in the finals and I think it’s very possible. It will go down to the wire but the Lakers will survive and make it to the finals.

East Side

As for the East side, I’m hoping for a Sixers/Brooklyn final. That would be epic. They both have enough to hold down whoever team they face. New York and Atalanta will be very interesting to watch, I like how the Knicks are playing but as what concerns the roster I think Atalanta have a better team. Bucks and Miami will go down to the wire, both have what it takes to go through. Regarding the Play-In, if Indiana were fit they should be able to take care of business with the Hornets. Wizards/Celtics will be fun to watch. Do not underestimate Beal and Westbrook combo, I like their odds going into this one. Eventually, Sixers and Brooklyn will make it and I’m hoping for a Brooklyn win just to see a Lakers/Brooklyn final. In terms of basketball, I wish the Sixers would go through they worked hard for this. But imagine a Durant/Harden/Kyrie going against LeBron/AD/Schroder for an NBA final series.

Conclusion

The 2021 NBA Playoffs + Play-In – All You Need To Know. With everything we said and analyzed, I hope the Lakers and Brooklyn would make it to the final. In addition with the teams and players available I believe it would be the most interesting matchup to have. What about you? Who do you prefer and why? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section. Looking forward to hearing your ideas and interacting with you.

As for those who may think that since I’m a Laker fan I’m tipping them to go all the way, think about something: If the champs do have problem and LeBron is washed up, why are the other teams trying to avoid them? Look at what Denver and Clippers did. What are they afraid from? I think the LA Lakers are still favorites, as long as they all remain healthy.

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