We are down to the Quarter Finals of the very first NBA In-Season Tournament and what a ride it’s been! The Finals begin on Tuesday and Wednesday, with the winners advancing to the Final Four in Las Vegas from Friday, with the title game on Sunday.
Tuesday:
Indiana v Boston: The Pacers host arguably the best team in the NBA on Tuesday, but will give themselves every chance of advancing. Indiana has been one of the best teams to watch in the NBA this season (if you love explosive offensive basketball).
They’re led by Tyrese Haliburton who has shown when healthy, is one of the best Point Guards in the NBA.
Halliburton’s battle with Jrue Holiday will go a long way in deciding this contest tomorrow, in what should be a highly entertaining game of basketball. The scoreboard attendant will be busy!
Sacramento face off against the New Orleans Pelicans tomorrow in a battle between two up and coming power houses in the Western Conference.
Fox and Sabonis v Zion and Ingram. You wouldn’t be surprised if you were to see that down the track in the Western Conference Finals in the near future (if all can stay healthy!)
The Kings have been dominant on their home floor this season, starting the season 6-2, with New Orleans 3-6 on the road.
You feel like the beam is going to be lit high into the sky tomorrow night and send a Sacramento team craving a title of any form, into the In-Season Tournament Semi finals in Las Vegas Friday!
Wednesday’s action starts off with the Milwaukee Bucks facing the New York Knicks.
The outcome of this contest may very well come down to how the Boston Indiana match up finishes.
If Indiana manage to knock off the Celtics, the Bucks may see that as an opportunity to skip Vegas and focus on the rest of the season ahead. Where as a win for Boston will give Milwaukee the need to face their Eastern Conference rivals in a must win contest to make the final of the tournament.
Phoenix travel to LA for another match up with the Lakers, they’re 3rd already in the season.
LA dominated the group stages of the In-Season tournament, but have by far the toughest match up to advance to Vegas.
Their previous two meetings against the Suns have come without Devin Booker, so having him back in the line up is a huge plus for the Suns.
Phoenix wouldn’t want to give their division rival a 3-0 edge against them in the first part of the season, so you’d like to think Booker is going to come out all guns blazing in this contest and get the Suns to Vegas on Friday!
It’s going to be very exciting either way, with NBA Fans finally seeing what college basketball fans love. Elimination Basketball!
Cheers
Bauky
@TrashTalkwithDBauk