The Detroit Pistons know that they will host Game 1 of the NBA playoffs on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET. What they do not know is who their opponent will be. That gives Pistons fans an added incentive to pay close attention to the play-in games, with seeds 7-10 vying for the final two playoff spots in each conference. In the East, the Miami Heat (10th seed) will visit the Charlotte Hornets (9) on Tuesday night with the loser being eliminated from the playoffs. Then, on Wednesday, the Orlando Magic (8)
visit the Philadelphia 76ers. The loser earns the seventh seed and the right to play the Boston Celtics in the first round. Finally, on Friday, the winner of the Heat-Hornets game will play the loser of the Magic-Sixers game for the eighth seed and a visit to Detroit.
In the Western Conference, the matchups will be Portland Trail Blazers (8) vs. the Phoenix Suns (7) on Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET, and the Golden State Warriors (10) vs. the Los Angeles Clippers (9) on Wednesday. On Friday, the winners of Blazers-Suns will play the winner of the Warriors-Clippers.
Who are you rooting for to earn that eighth seed in the Eastern Conference? The misbegotten Magic, who are suddenly healthy but no less confusing and disappointing? The upstart Charlotte Hornets, who feel dangerous everywhere, but are just as inexperienced? The Miami Heat, who have struggled plenty this season, but always seem to give the Pistons fits? Or the sadly injured but still talented Sixers?
Does it even matter?
Anything you’re rooting for or paying particular attention to out West?
