Play In Tournament and Playoffs Are Here

The NBA Play-In has given us some great moments since its inception in 2021, and some outrageous moments (Timberwolves, Pat Bev anyone?). What does it have in store for us this year? Tonight the 7-seed New Orleans Pelicans play the 8-seed Los Angeles Lakers & the 9-seed Sacramento Kings play the 10-seed Golden State Warriors. Tomorrow, the 7-seed Philadelphia 76ers play the 8-seed Miami Heat & the 9-seed Chicago Bulls play the 10-seed Atlanta Hawks.

Also in this newsletter, we’ll give you three trends for the NHL tonight: one for each of the three teams fighting for the last playoff spot in the East (Washington, Detroit, and Philadelphia). Pittsburgh is also fighting for that final spot, but they’re off tonight.

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Now, let’s get into it.

NBA Play-In Trends

(7) Pelicans vs (8) Lakers

D’Angelo Russell Over 22.5 Points+Assists

D’Angelo Russell has great numbers head-to-head against the Pelicans, having gone over this in 5 of his last 7 games against them. And we can narrow it down even further: he’s been over this in 3 of his last 4 on the road head-to-head against the Pels and in 8 of his last 10 games overall on the road with one day’s rest.

(9) Kings vs (10) Warriors

Brandin Podziemski Over 8.5 Points+Rebounds

This line being this low is surprising, considering Podziemski's involvement in the Warriors rotation lately. If Podziemski gets 20 minutes or more, something he’s done in 29 of his last 30 games, he will likely go over this line. Because when he plays 20 minutes or more, he goes over this line in 91% of his games this season.

(7) 76ers vs (8) Heat

Terry Rozier Over 13.5 Points

Terry Rozier has averaged 33 minutes per game this season, and if he gets 30 or more he’s hit this line in 92% of his games this season. The Heat can avoid the second play-in game with a win, so Rozier and the other starters are going to play deep into this game. He’ll get the minutes, and we like him to get the points, too.

(9) Bulls vs (10) Hawks

DeMar DeRozan Over 5.5 Assists

DeMar DeRozan is the heart and soul of the Chicago Bulls, and if they win tomorrow night it’ll be because of him, his ability to score but also his ability to move the rock. When he plays 30 or more minutes after 2 days’ rest he’s hit this line in 67% of his games this season and his only game against the Hawks with those parameters.

Final NHL Games to Decide the Playoffs

Four teams are fighting for the final playoff spot in the East, and tonight that number should be down to two or one.

The Capitals play the Flyers, the Red Wings are in Montreal and Pittsburgh has the night off to watch their destiny playout. If Washington wins, it’s all over. If Washington loses to Philadelphia, and Detroit loses to Montreal, tomorrow’s game for Pittsburgh is a game 82 win, and you're in, and that worked out so well last year.

Alex Ovechkin Over 0.5 Goals

An anytime goal trend with a 50% hit rate is interesting, to say the least, with Ovechkin having goals in 6 of his last 10 games against the Flyers. In a game like this, and in a spot where Ovechkin hasn’t scored in three straight games, the great eight-to-score is a trend worth looking at.

Travis Konecny Over 0.5 Points

Travis Konecny has 15 more points than his next-closest teammate, and if the Flyers are going to stay alive tonight, Konecy will have to come through. He also has 5 points in his last 5 home games against the Capitals.

Patrick Kane Over 2.5 Shots On Goal

The Detroit Red Wings comeback last night was must-see TV, and tonight they close out their season with another must-win game. Patrick Kane was quiet last night, but on zero days rest this season Kane has been involved.

He’s been able to put the puck on the net, which he should be able to do against Montreal tonight, who give up a ton of shots on goal.

Between the play-in tournament, the NHL season wrapping up and Major League Baseball in full gear, tonight should be another great night. Good luck, and we’ll talk Thursday!