Photo Credit: NBC Sports

Atlanta Hawks vs Miami Heat

Tuesday, 11 April, 2023

Kaseya Center

Miami, FL

The NBA Play-in Tournament is upon us and one of the matchups is between the Atlanta Hawks and Miami Heat. This matchup should be a thrilling game, as both teams are evenly matched in terms of talent and form.

The Hawks have a 41 – 41 record and sit 8th in the Eastern Conference. The Miami Heat have a 44 – 38 record and sits seventh in the Eastern Conference.

For the Hawks, Trae Young has been leading the way with his impressive scoring, facilitating and leadership. He’s averaging almost 30 points per game this season and is the engine that makes their offence go. He will need to be at his best for them to have any chance against the Heat. Other key players for Atlanta include John Collins who brings a strong physical presence on defence, De’Andre Hunter who provides great 3-point shooting, and Clint Capela who controls the paint on both ends of floor.

The Heat have had a strong season thanks to the stellar play of Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Butler is the consummate leader that sets an example for everyone on the team, while Adebayo is an all-round force inside, averaging a double-double in points and rebounds every night. Other important pieces on this Miami team include Goran Dragic who provides scoring off the bench and Andre Iguodala who brings veteran experience and championship pedigree to the squad.

Atlanta Hawks vs Miami Heat Prediction:

This matchup should prove to be a great one as both teams are well matched up with each other in terms of talent and form. The winner will advance to face the higher seed in round 1 of the playoffs. Our prediction is that the Hawks will take this one and advance to the next round.

Atlanta Hawks vs Miami Heat betting odds:

Betting odds are currently in favor of the Heat by a slight margin at $1.48 to Atlanta $2.70, with bookmakers expecting Miami to come out on top. We recommend taking a closer look at these odds before placing any bets. No matter who wins, it should be an exciting matchup full of competition and high intensity basketball. Be sure to tune in on Tuesday night!

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Lakers

Tuesday, 11 April, 2023

Crypto.com Arena

Los Angeles, CA

The other matchup in the NBA Play-in tournament features two teams with very similar trajectories. The Minnesota Timberwolves are 42-40 and sit eighth in the Western Conference, while the Los Angeles Lakers are 43-39 and hold the seventh spot.

Karl-Anthony Towns has been the leader for Minnesota, averaging 24 points and 11 rebounds per game. He’s surrounded by a young and talented squad that includes Anthony Edwards, D’Angelo Russell, and Malik Beasley who can all put up big numbers on any given night.

The Timberwolves have been led this season by Karl-Anthony Towns who averages 24 points per game on 45.8% shooting from the field. He’s also pulling down 11 rebounds a night, making him one of the most impactful players on both ends of floor. Other key players for Minnesota include D’Angelo Russell who provides scoring off the bench, Malik Beasley who brings energy to the team and Jarrett Culver who defends multiple positions well.

On the other side, the Lakers have been riding high thanks to the dynamic duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. James is still at an MVP-level, averaging 25 points and 8 assists per game. Davis just returned from injury but is showing no signs of rust, displaying his full arsenal on both ends of floor. The rest of their roster is rounded out by Kyle Kuzma who provides scoring off the bench, Danny Green who shoots from deep, and Alex Caruso who defends multiple positions well.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction:

This matchup should be exciting as both teams are evenly matched in terms of talent and form. Our prediction is that the Lakers will take this game and advance to round 1 of the playoffs.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Lakers betting odds:

Bookmakers have the Lakers favourited to win this game at $1.32 to Minnesota’s $3.50, although it could be worth taking a closer look at these odds before placing any bets. Be sure to tune in on Tuesday night for some high intensity basketball!

Chicago Bulls vs Toronto Raptors

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12, 2023

Scotiabank Arena

Toronto, ON

The third matchup in the NBA Play-in tournament features two teams from the Eastern Conference. The Chicago Bulls are 40-42, while the Toronto Raptors hold a 41-41 record and sit ninth in the East.

The Bulls have been led this season by Zach LaVine who averages 28 points per game on 45% shooting from the field. He’s also pulling down 5 rebounds a night, making him one of the most impactful players on both ends of floor. Other key players for Chicago include Coby White who provides scoring off the bench, Lauri Markkanen who stretches the floor with his shooting and Wendell Carter Jr who defends multiple positions well.

On the other side, the Raptors have been on a roller coaster ride this season, but have managed to stay in the playoff picture. Despite losing Kawhi Leonard last year, Toronto has found success relying on the combination of Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam. Lowry is still at an All-Star level, averaging 19 points and 7 assists per game. Siakam has stepped up as well, elevating his scoring and becoming one of the leaders for the team. The rest of their roster is rounded out by Fred VanVleet who provides scoring off the bench, Norman Powell who stretches the floor with his shooting, and Marc Gasol who defends multiple positions well.

Chicago Bulls vs Toronto Raptors Prediction:

This should be an exciting matchup as both teams have talented rosters and solid form heading into the playoffs. Our prediction is that the Raptors will take this game, thanks to their deeper bench and veteran leadership.

Chicago Bulls vs Toronto Raptors betting odds:

Bookmakers have the Raptors favourited to win this game at $1.48 to Chicago’s $2.70, although it could be worth taking a closer look at these odds before placing any bets. Be sure to tune in on Wednesday night for some high intensity basketball!

Oklahoma City Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12, 2023

Smoothie King Center

New Orleans, LA

The fourth matchup in the NBA Play-in tournament features two teams from the Western Conference. The Oklahoma City Thunder are 40-42, while the New Orleans Pelicans hold a 42-40 record and sit tenth in the West.

The Thunder have been led this season by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who averages 21 points per game on 47% shooting from the field. He’s also pulling down 6 rebounds a night, making him one of the most impactful players on both ends of floor. Other key players for OKC include Darius Bazley who provides scoring off the bench, Luguentz Dort who defends multiple positions well, and Kenrich Williams who brings energy to the team.

On the other side, the Pelicans have had their ups and downs this season, but still find themselves in the playoff picture. Despite losing Anthony Davis last year, New Orleans has found success relying on the combination of Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram. Ball is having a career year, averaging 15 points and 7 assists per game. Ingram has been impressive as well, elevating his scoring to an All-Star level. The rest of their roster is rounded out by JJ Redick who provides scoring off the bench, Zion Williamson who brings energy to the team, and Steven Adams who defends multiple positions well.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction:

This should be an intriguing matchup between two young teams with bright futures ahead of them. Our prediction is that the Pelicans will take this game, thanks to their depth and high-powered offense.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans betting odds:

Bookmakers have the Pelicans favourited to win this game at $1.46 to Oklahoma’s $2.80