NBA Play-In Tournament Gets Underway

Dylan Braccia, Staff Writer

The NBA play-in tournament is underway with both sets of No. 7 and No. 8 seeds on the line.

In the Western Conference, the No. 9 seed New Orleans Pelicans took on the No. 10 seed Oklohama City Thunder to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 32 points, along with Josh Giddey’s near triple-double (30-10-9) to beat the Pelicans 123-118 and move on in the play-in tournament.

The Pelicans were without Zion Williamson but had a strong showing from Brandon Ingram, who had 30 points.

The Los Angeles Lakers, behind LeBron James’ 30-point double-double, beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 108-102 in overtime.

The Timberwolves led by as much as 15 in the third quarter before the Lakers came back to take the lead in the fourth. Before overtime, the Lakers led by three before an Anthony Davis foul on Mike Conley’s three-pointer, leading to three free throws to tie the game.

The Lakers took over in overtime, sealing the deal on the No. 7 seed. They will take on the Memphis Grizzlies in a best-of-seven series starting April 16 at 3 pm.

The Timberwolves will take on the Thunder tonight for the Western No. 8 seed.

Over in the Eastern Conference, the Toronto Raptors took on the Chicago Bulls for their chance at the playoffs.

The Bulls were victorious behind Zach Lavine’s 39 points, winning 109-105. Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with 32 points.

In the battle for the Eastern Conference No. 7 seed, the Miami Heat took on the Hawks.

The Hawks had a firm handle on the game, in Miami, leading almost the whole time. At the half, they lead by 17.

As the Heat inched closer, the Hawks would answer and keep them at bay. Despite Kyle Lowry leading all scorers with 33 points off the bench , the Hawks defeated the Heat 116-105. The Hawks will play the Celtics on April 15 at 3:30 pm.