We are down to the Final Four in Las Vegas of the inaugural In-Season Tournament! Milwaukee and Indiana face off Friday morning to punch the first ticket into the Final, followed by the Lakers and Pelicans.
Indiana were the first team to book their tickets to Las Vegas, with a big upset win at home against the Boston Celtics. Tyrese Haliburton continued his stellar play this season, registering his first triple double of his career (26 Pts - 10 Rbs - 13 Asts) in a 122-112 victory. Indiana are definitely the Cinderella story in the In-Season Tournament, and Haliburton wants this title for a Pacers team who look the goods to taste some playoff basketball this season!
Milwaukee shot the lights out against the Knicks yesterday, with Dame Lillard and Malik Beasley combining for 11 3s between them on their way to a 146-122 victory. Lillard finished with 28 whilst his superstar team mate almost notched a triple double of his own. Giannis finished with 35 Pts - 8 Rbs and 10 Asts, and he will look to lead his team into the first In-Season Championship final.
There’s no doubt the scoreboard attendant is going to be busy in this one, and a title to the Pacers May mean just a little more given the Bucks will want the end goal, an NBA Title.
Prediction: Indiana Win in a high scoring thriller.
New Orleans enter Las Vegas riding a lot of confidence, going into Sacramento and controlling that game from start to finish, winning 127-117.
Brandon Ingram led the way for the Pelicans with 30 Pts - 8 Rbs and 6 Asts, whilst CJ McCollum returned to action chipping in with 17. The Kings managed to keep Zion quiet (10 Pts) so he will be hungry for success in Vegas tomorrow!
The Los Angeles Lakers managed to hold off the Phoenix Suns in LA on Wednesday. LeBron and AD had monster nights for the Lakers, so there’s no doubt Herb Jones may be given the task of doing his best to slow down the King in the semi final. LeBron finished with 31 Pts - 8 Rbs and 11 Asts , with AD chipping in with 27 Pts and 15 Rbs.
Similar to the Indiana situation with the In-Season Tournament meaning a lot to those who may not be competing for the NBA Title, the Pelicans are the play in this one.
Prediction: New Orleans with Zion having a big night!
It’s going to be some great basketball over the next few days in Vegas!
Bauky