The 2024 NBA postseason ignites with the SoFi Play-In Tournament, setting the stage for Friday’s crucial matchups to determine the No. 8 seeds in both the Eastern and Western Conferences.
Eastern Conference: Chicago Bulls (9) @ Miami Heat (8) – 7:00 PM ET on ESPN
Stakes: The victor secures a matchup against Boston as the Eastern No. 8 seed, while the loser bows out of the postseason.
Season Recap: The season series is knotted at 2-2.
Player Spotlight: Coby White, a contender for the Kia NBA Most Improved Player, showcased his burgeoning talent in Chicago’s emphatic Play-In victory over Atlanta. White has nearly tripled his scoring to 19.1 points per game, up from last season’s 9.7. Against Atlanta, he exploded for a career-high 42 points, adding nine rebounds, six assists, and zero turnovers. With Miami’s backcourt compromised due to injuries, White’s matchup with Ayo Dosunmu could be pivotal, especially with Terry Rozier and Duncan Robinson limited by injuries.
Key Matchup: Small Forward Showdown. Miami’s Jimmy Butler is sidelined with a knee injury, and Chicago’s Alex Caruso is nursing a right foot sprain, leading to increased roles for rookies and bench players like Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Javonte Green.
Prediction: Bulls. Despite Miami’s inspiring run to the 2023 Finals, the Heat’s injury woes and the Bulls’ relative health, buoyed by the return of Dosunmu, make Chicago the favorites.
Western Conference: Sacramento Kings (9) @ New Orleans Pelicans (8) – 9:30 PM ET on TNT
Stakes: The winner progresses to face Oklahoma City in the first round as the Western No. 8 seed; the loser is eliminated.
Season Recap: The Pelicans dominated the season series, 5-0.
Player Spotlight: Pels’ Challenge Without Zion Williamson. With Williamson out due to a strained left hamstring, the Pelicans face a daunting task. Despite their regular-season dominance, the absence of Williamson, who had a stellar 40-point, 10-rebound performance in his last outing, poses a significant challenge.
Key Matchup: Sacramento’s Keon Ellis vs. New Orleans’ Brandon Ingram. With Williamson sidelined, the Pelicans will likely adjust their lineup, impacting how they defend Kings’ star De’Aaron Fox. Ellis, coming off a strong defensive performance, will be key in containing Ingram, who has struggled since returning from injury.
Prediction: Kings. The absence of Williamson, combined with the faltering form of Ingram and CJ McCollum, might too severely handicap the Pelicans’ offense. Meanwhile, Sacramento’s core, including Domantis Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox, should capitalize, despite New Orleans’ defensive strengths.
