Exciting Play-In Tournament Games Previewed in ‘The Bounce’
The 2025-26 NBA regular season closed after a dramatic final weekend. The Play-In Tournament begins tomorrow and the playoffs start Saturday.
Season roundup
This campaign delivered high drama on and off the court. The Clippers faced a salary-cap probe, and early-season gambling controversies lingered.
Tanking remained a headline issue. The league plans fixes next month. The 65-game rule appears set to stay.
Notable roster and front-office moves
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a possible trade subject near draft night in late June. Doc Rivers stepped down as Bucks coach.
The Bucks endured a chaotic season. Milwaukee’s struggles and Giannis’ future are central storylines.
Stat leaders and standout performances
- Luka Dončić finished as scoring champion, averaging 33.5 points.
- Nikola Jokić led in rebounds (12.9) and assists (10.7) per game.
- Donovan Clingan collected the most total rebounds.
- Kon Knueppel (273) and LaMelo Ball (272) ranked first and second in made 3-pointers.
Cooper Flagg flashed potential, scoring 33 against Victor Wembanyama. Wembanyama posted 40 points, 13 rebounds, and 15 assists in that contest. Flagg later suffered a sprained ankle and logged only 10 minutes in the finale.
Lottery and standings notes
The Washington Wizards finished worst at 17-65. The Pacers (19-63) and Nets (20-62) join them with top lottery odds.
Washington set a modern mark with 28 losses by 20 points or more. Coin flips will decide several draft odds, including Jazz vs Kings and New Orleans vs Dallas.
Playoff landscape and upset watch
Conference brackets set several intriguing matchups. Upset potential varies widely across the bracket.
- East: The Pistons earned the No. 1 seed. Several lower-seeded matchups could challenge them.
- West: The Thunder sit atop the West. The Wolves-Nuggets pairing rates among the most dangerous first-round tilts.
Play-In Tournament previews
Filmogaz.com’s coverage and the newsletter ‘The Bounce’ highlighted several exciting Play-In Tournament games. Expect tight contests and meaningful minutes for young players.
(8) Magic at (7) 76ers — Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. ET, Amazon Prime
The Sixers and Magic meet after a season series the Sixers won 2-1. These teams last met on Jan. 9.
Key matchup: Jalen Suggs defending Tyrese Maxey. Free-throw production will matter for both clubs. Prediction: 76ers by six.
(10) Heat at (9) Hornets — Tomorrow, 7:30 p.m., Amazon Prime
Charlotte chases its first playoff trip since 2016. The Heat have a strong Play-In history, securing the No. 8 seed multiple times.
Key areas: Moussa Diabate versus Bam Adebayo and offensive rebound rates. Charlotte crashes the glass often. Prediction: Hornets by nine.
(8) Blazers at (7) Suns — Tomorrow, 10 p.m., Amazon Prime
Phoenix has no recent Play-In experience. Portland won the very first Play-In game in 2020.
Matchup to watch: Toumani Camara on Devin Booker. Three-point efficiency will decide this game. Prediction: Suns by three.
(10) Warriors at (9) Clippers — Wednesday, 10 p.m., Amazon Prime
This game could end either Kawhi Leonard’s or Steph Curry’s season. Kawhi is 34; Curry is 38 and returning from a knee issue.
Key matchup: Curry against Darius Garland. Turnovers and forced turnovers will swing momentum. Prediction: Clippers by seven.
Other season items
Players and pundits completed a survey predicting the title. The league also marked the 10th anniversary of the Warriors’ 73-win season.
Coaching stability surfaced in Chicago and Sacramento. The WNBA Draft will take place tonight, adding to the basketball calendar.
