The Miami Heat don’t have to play in the play-in, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be fun to watch.
Both these teams have exciting pieces buried in some pretty mediocre teams, so this game is all about who can be fun despite the yuck. Miles Bridges dunks are going to save this game.
Indiana Pacer vs. Charlotte Hornets
There are two types of NBA dunkers. In-game specialists and dunk contest studs.
These can often cross over, but there is often one player that holds the belt of the best in-game dunker. This person is in a class of his own because instead of creativity or versatility, like a dunk contest winner, what sets apart elite in-game dunkers, is pure ferocity.
Who can dunk so viciously, catch bodies with such a disregard for human life (shout out Kevin Harlan) that it looks like they actually have a problem with the existence of basketball rims? Bridges took over the in-game dunk belt, dishing out some dirty jams and yams this season.
Expect a few more in this game.
Washington Wizards vs. Boston Celtics
The must-watch event will be the end of game-high jinx. The Wizards have erased 10 double-digit deficits this season.
The final minutes of games are usually crowded with just as many head-scratching plays from Russell Westbrook as there are Bradley Beal‘s heroics though. That’s the oxymoron of it all.
With the Celtics’ second-best defender and scorer in Jaylen Brown out of the game, expect the Wizards to always be in this game. Also, expect them to try and give the game away with a boneheaded foul or turnover at least twice in the closing stanza.
These are the reasons why even as Miami Heat fans, you should watch the play-in games. At the very least, be thankful that your Miami Heat don’t have to play in one.