NBA Preview — The Last Day of the Season
There’s a lot at stake tonight
Tonight is the final night of the regular season, and the last night of 2016–17 for a lot of these teams. As nearly everyone tries to either make the playoffs or tank a little harder, there’s something at stake for nearly every franchise this evening. This is most immediately apparent in the Eastern Conference, which still has several playoff spots available.
At the bottom, Indiana, Chicago, and Miami are all fighting. Chicago and Indiana both have an inside track to get to the playoffs — all they need to do is win their final game. Miami needs a win and for one of these other teams to lose. It might end up being close, but I don’t think the Heat will be able to get in.
At the top, Cleveland and Boston both have a chance to get the top seed. Boston seems more likely to get it since they’re playing Milwaukee, and just need a win. Cleveland is resting at least some of its stars, but this is balanced out by the fact that its opponent is a Raptors team that doesn’t care too much about tonight. In fact, it may even benefit Toronto to lose, thus placing the Cavs in the opposite side of the bracket and away from the Raps.
In the West, the only playoff question in doubt is who will finish in fourth place. Utah and LA will play each other no matter what, but their exact position is still in doubt. The Clippers have the inside track, and will get the spot with a win tonight, but this story is worth following.
It’s a little hard to believe that the NBA regular season is over. It’s been a long ride, but also a fun season and I’m glad I had the chance to write about it. I’m so ready for the playoffs, though.
Predictions
1–0 last night, 3–0 for the week so far. Tonight, ESPN has two games that look interesting.
Atlanta at Indiana: Indiana
Given how well the Hawks have played lately, I’d pick them tonight if this game mattered at all. It doesn’t, though. Atlanta has the fifth-seed locked up, and will most likely rest starters tonight. Indiana, on the other hand, needs a win to get into the playoffs. That mixture of desperation and nonchalance should equal a Pacers win.
New Orleans at Portland: Portland
In this game, neither team gains anything from a win. I expect the Trail Blazers to win though, since their recent playoff momentum should carry them through the end of the regular season. I’m interested to watch the Pelicans next season, I think this could be the foundation of a fun, interesting team. Right now though, they just need to get into the offseason.
