Within the 2020-21 postseason, the NBA launched the play-in event. This new playoff system gave the highest six seeds an computerized playoff bid. Nevertheless, seeds 7-10 would then combat for the ultimate two spots of their respective conferences. The NBA formally made the play-in event part of the postseason in 2022.
This yr, just one play-in matchup is ready with simply two or fewer video games left for all groups. The #9 seed Chicago Bulls will probably be internet hosting the #10 seed Atlanta Hawks subsequent Wednesday. Through the common season, the Bulls and Hawks met thrice. Chicago holds the 2-1 season collection lead. Which staff has extra potential to make a deep postseason run?
Chicago and Atlanta will play within the #9 vs. #10 sport subsequent Wednesday
No. 9 Bulls vs. No. 10 Hawks will face off within the play-in event
Which staff wins? pic.twitter.com/8xqN9uBvvd
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 12, 2024
With two video games left this season, the Bulls already know they’ve locked in a spot within the play-in event. At 38-42, Chicago is the #9 seed within the East. Which means they are going to be internet hosting the Hawks within the play-in. The Bulls are 4-6 of their final 10 video games however are coming off a 127-105 win final night time vs. the Pistons. That win secured the #9 seed for Chicago. Heading into the 2024 playoffs, the Bulls should not 100% wholesome. Zach LaVine and Patrick Williams have been each dominated out for the rest of the season in February.
Head coach Billy Donovan has needed to make it work with the gamers obtainable on their roster. Ayo Dosunmu is one participant who’s stepped up this season when his quantity has been known as. Dealing with the Bulls within the play-in event are the Hawks. Atlanta is on a four-game shedding streak and is 5-5 of their final 10. Trae Younger returned for the Hawks on Wednesday after lacking 23 straight video games with a finger harm. It’s been a down season for the Hawks they usually’ll attempt to put all of it collectively subsequent week within the play-in.
Bulls vs Hawks highlights (1997) pic.twitter.com/XHURSqjuhm
— 90s NBA (@NBA90s) April 6, 2024
Whereas Trae Younger had been out, Dejounte Murray was taking cost of the Hawks. He’s the one different all-star on their roster. Moreover, Trae Younger and himself are the one two Hawks gamers who common 22+ factors per sport. In his first sport again on Wednesday, Younger had 14 factors, 11 assists, 4 rebounds, and one steal. That was in a slender 115-114 loss to the Hornets. Mometum this late within the season favors the Bulls who will probably be internet hosting this play-in matchup vs. the Hawks. Do both of those groups have a deep playoff run in them?