The NBA play-in tournament starts on Wednesday with 2 games in each conference. In the East, the Magic host the Hawks for a shot at the #7 seed. Meanwhile, the Warriors renew their rivalry with the Grizzlies.
Atlanta Hawks at Orlando Magic
The Hawks are heading into a huge Play-In clash against the Magic, and momentum’s on their side after winning three straight. They’ve split their last 10 games at 5-5, but their recent form has been solid. In their last outing, they took down Orlando 117-105 at home, with Terance Mann dropping 19 points on 64.3% shooting and Daeqwon Plowden adding 17 points off a hot 58.3% from the field. Sitting 8th in the conference with a 40-42 season record, this game is simple: win and lock in that #7 seed.
The Magic head into their Play-In showdown with the Hawks looking to bounce back from a tough 117-105 loss in Atlanta. Despite that slip-up, they’ve been in good form lately, going 7-3 over their last 10 games. Anthony Black led the way in the last one with 20 points and 10 boards, while Jett Howard chipped in 16 points on 53.8% shooting. At 41-41 on the season and sitting 7th in the East, the equation’s simple — win this one and lock in the #7 seed.
Stadium Record
Orlando went 22-19 at home this season. Atlanta are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Orlando.
Head to Head Record
Atlanta are 14-5 in their last 19 games against Orlando.
Best Bet
The Hawks have been leaking points all season and I don't think it will change in the playoffs. The Over is now 4-1 in their last 5 games and the Magic are 4-2 against the Over as well.
Same Game Multi
I think the Magic are a better side and should get the job done at home. They've covered in 11 of their last 16 games and 4-1 ATS when they face the Hawks at home. Banchero has scored 33 pts in 2 of his last 3 games, one of those was against the Hawks.
Over 216.5 pts / Magic -4.5 / Paolo Banchero 30+ pts = $5.00
Memphis Grizzlies at Golden State Warriors
The Grizzlies are coming off a dominant 132-97 win over the Mavs and will look to carry that momentum into their Play-In battle with the Warriors. They’ve been a bit inconsistent lately, going 4-6 in their last 10, but they got the job done in their most recent outing. Lamar Stevens exploded for 31 points on 56% shooting, while Marvin Bagley III added a double-double with 25 points and 12 boards, hitting over 61% from the field. Sitting 8th in the West with a 48-34 record, it’s all on the line here — a win secures the #7 seed.
The Warriors head into their Play-In clash with the Grizzlies looking to bounce back after a narrow 124-119 loss to the Clippers. Despite that, they’ve been in solid form lately, winning 7 of their last 10 games. Steph Curry was doing Steph things in the last one, dropping 36 points on 50% shooting, while Jimmy Butler III added 30 points and 9 assists on 60% from the field. Sitting 7th in the West with a 48-34 record, this game’s huge — a win locks up that all-important #7 seed.
Stadium Record
Golden State held a 24-17 home record this year. Memphis are 0-9 SU in their last 9 games when playing on the road against Golden State.
Head to Head Record
Memphis are 1-5 in their last 6 games against Golden State.
Best Bet
I think this will be a tough game defensively and I like the Under trend. It's 4-2 in the Warriors last 6 games and the Grizz have the same record. The Grizzlies don't have a great record against the Warriors on the road so that should see them find scoring a lot tougher.
Same Game Multi
I think adding Jimmy Butler should give the Warriors an edge in playoff matchups like these. He's a different beast when the playoffs come around and now he's got Curry to take the load. So I like Jimmy to get 20+ pts, he's easily hit this mark in his last 3 games. Golden State are 9-0 against the Grizzles on their home court so I don't see the Warriors losing this one.
Under 229.5 pts / Golden State Warriors -6.5 / Jimmy Butler 20+ pts = $4.70
