The 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament is heating up! Eight teams are fighting for the last playoff spots in each conference. The Golden State Warriors have secured their position after a nail-biting victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, where Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler scored a combined 75 points. The Grizzlies made a valiant comeback from a 20-point deficit but fell just short. Now, the Warriors head into the playoffs to face the second-seeded Houston Rockets.
In the Eastern Conference, the Orlando Magic triumphed over the Atlanta Hawks with a commanding 25-point win, clinching the No. 7 seed. They will take on the defending champions, the Boston Celtics, in the first round.
Playing on Wednesday are the Bulls against the Heat in the East, while the Kings face the Mavericks in the West. The winners will compete against the Hawks and Grizzlies, respectively, for the final two playoff spots.
If you’re following the tournament, here’s a quick recap of the scores:
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Tuesday, April 15
Magic 120, Hawks 95
Warriors 121, Grizzlies 116 -
Wednesday, April 16
Bulls vs. Heat, 7:30 p.m. ET
Kings vs. Mavericks, 10 p.m. ET - Friday, April 18
Hawks vs. TBD, Time TBD
Grizzlies vs. TBD, Time TBD
How the Play-In Tournament Works
The Play-In Tournament includes the teams ranked 7th to 10th in each conference competing for the last two playoff spots. The 7th and 8th seeds battle it out first, with the winner taking the No. 7 seed. The 9th and 10th seeds face each other next, and the winner of that game plays the loser of the 7/8 match for the No. 8 seed. This format has been a part of the NBA since 2021.
Insights on Fan Reactions
This year’s Play-In Tournament has generated a lot of buzz on social media. Fans are particularly excited about the intensity of the matchups and the chance for underdog teams to make a surprise run. According to a recent survey by Statista, 65% of NBA fans support the Play-In format, as it adds more excitement and competitive drama to the end of the regular season.
As the playoffs unfold, it’s clear that each game is crucial. The stakes are high, and every team is vying for glory. The results could shape the narratives of the season, and fans are eagerly anticipating who will emerge victorious.
Stay tuned for exciting matchups and unforgettable moments as the tournament progresses!
For more details, you can check out the NBA’s official site here: NBA Playoffs.