NBA play-in games are designed to widen the playoffs to give four teams a chance at the two lowest seeds in their respective divisions. The winner of the #7 and #8 matchup moves onto the playoffs where they play the #2 seed. The loser plays the winner of the #9 and #10 matchup. The winner of that game plays the #1 seed. Here are our predictions for the play-in games:

#7 Miami Heat VS #8 Atlanta Hawks

George: Miami Heat

I’m taking the Heat in this game due to the talent and depth they have on their roster. They have so many talented and experienced players on their roster. They have so much talent, not just in their starting 5, but on their bench as well. Trae Young also has an inconsistent playoff history. Their roster is just too stacked in my opinion and I believe they will come out on top over the Hawks. 

Matt: Miami Heat

Similarly to George, I like the Heat here because of the depth they have and the veteran talent they carry with them. Having players like Jimmy Butler in the playoff is a huge help for the younger guys that they have on the team. The Heat are also a familiar face in the playoffs recently. They squared up against the hawks last year and they beat them 4-1. They went on to lose the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals. They know how to win and they have done it before against this team. Heat take this game easy. 

#7 Los Angeles Lakers VS #8 Minnesota Timberwolves

George: Los Angeles Lakers

I do not believe Lebron will let his team lose this game. I believe he will have a spectacular game as he has been in the playoffs many times before. He is the 2nd best player of all time and will have a field day. Their starting lineup is one of the best in the league. I believe Reaves, Russell and Davis will also have great games as they are also all extremely talented players.

Matt: Los Angeles Lakers

Unfortunately, I am going to pick the Lakers for this game. I feel that if the Timberwolves were healthy, and if Rudy Gobert were not suspended, they would take this game easily. I am not a huge fan of the Lakers and they will not do well in the playoffs. Very possibly a first round exit. With an understaffed Timberwolves, it would be criminal for the Lakers to not win this game. 

#9 Toronto Raptors VS #10 Chicago Bulls

George: Chicago Bulls

I’ve got to go with my hometown team here. The Bulls have been looking really good lately and have beaten some talented teams. Patrick Beverley is known to be a menace in the playoffs. He is going to set the tone for this game and the Bulls are going to pull off an upset over the Raptors.

Matt: Chicago Bulls

Definitely have to go with the Bulls for this game. I love the way the bulls are playing right now. Something clicked for them with the addition of Patrick Beverley. All their players are playing well right now, especially the players you wouldn’t expect to be like Kobe White and Patrick Williams. I am a huge fan of the Bulls in this game, but not sure if I want them to make it out of the play in so we can have a lottery pick.  

#9 New Orleans Pelicans VS #10 Oklahoma City Thunder

George: New Orleans Pelicans

This was a tough game to pick. I had to go with the Pelicans because the Thunder have almost no playoff experience. Although Zion Williamson is out with an injury, I believe CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram will carry this team to a victory over the inexperienced Thunder. 

Matt: Oklahoma City Thunder

I am gonna have to go with the Thunder on this one. Zion is OUT, which means this is a perfect game for the Thunder to capitalize on. The Thunder have a great chance in this game because of their star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He is averaging 31.4 ppg which is 4th in the league. He is also shooting 51% from the field. I like the Thunder here with one of the Pelicans best players out. I think the inexperienced team captures this moment.