NBA Play-In Tournament Highlights: Mavericks and Heat Dominate While Kings and Bulls Face Elimination

Two teams are vying for the final playoff spots in the 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament, and the stakes couldn’t be higher! The Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks are still in the race after tough victories, while the Chicago Bulls and Sacramento Kings faced elimination in decisive games.

On Wednesday night, the Heat defeated the Bulls 109-90, while the Mavericks took down the Kings with a score of 120-106. Next up, Miami will face the Atlanta Hawks for the Eastern Conference’s No. 8 seed. Meanwhile, the Mavericks will battle the Memphis Grizzlies for the final Western Conference spot. Both games are set for Friday night.

Earlier in the week, the Golden State Warriors and Orlando Magic claimed the No. 7 seeds in their respective conferences. The Warriors hustled past the Grizzlies, led by the unstoppable duo of Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, who scored a combined 75 points. The Magic pulled away from the Hawks in an impressive 120-95 victory.

In case you’re curious, here’s the complete Play-In Tournament schedule:

• Tuesday, April 15

  • Magic 120, Hawks 95
  • Warriors 121, Grizzlies 116

• Wednesday, April 16

  • Heat 109, Bulls 90
  • Mavericks 120, Kings 106
• Friday, April 18
  • Hawks vs. Heat, 7 p.m. (TNT/Max)
  • Grizzlies vs. Mavericks, 9:30 p.m. (ESPN)

The Play-In Tournament format pits the teams seeded 7-10 in each conference against each other. The 7th and 8th seeds play first, with the winner securing the No. 7 playoff spot. The 9th and 10th seeds then face off, and the winner of that game meets the loser of the 7-8 matchup for the last playoff seed. This tournament style was introduced in 2021 to create more excitement and opportunities for teams that didn’t make the top 8.

This year’s play-in games have sparked lively discussions online. Fans are buzzing about the intensity and unpredictability, with social media ablaze with opinions, predictions, and highlights. According to a recent survey by the NBA, 78% of fans found the Play-In Tournament format to be an exciting addition.

As we watch the last games unfold, we’re reminded of the fierce competition in the NBA. This thrilling end-of-season format not only keeps teams hopeful but also engages fans more than ever before. The excitement is tangible, and it seems like the future of the NBA playoffs is brighter and more dynamic thanks to this innovative approach.

For more detailed coverage on the tournament, check out CBS Sports.

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