Full NBA Play-In Tournament schedule, preview, and predictions
By Ben Handler
10. Atlanta Hawks @ 9. Chicago Bulls - Wednesday, April 17th, 9:30 PM EST - ESPN
Of the four play-in games, this one is the clear dud. These teams both finished with losing records in the regular season and were basically able to limp into the postseason due to a lack of competition in the Eastern Conference.
Still, these teams do have their bright spots and could put a scare into the loser of the 7/8 game if things break in their favor. For the Bulls, they can rely on stellar perimeter defense from Alex Caruso and Ayo Dosunmu and clutch offense from DeMar DeRozan and Coby White.
On the Hawks side, it’s the two explosive guards, Dejounte Murray and Trae Young. Young especially has shown big-game chops in the past and has a history of rising to the moment. Unfortunately for Atlanta, they’ve had a hard time getting stellar efforts from both players at the same time.
Both of these teams have been incredibly inconsistent this season and it’s hard to have much faith in either one. I’ll lean toward the team that is more desperate and that’s likely the Hawks. Atlanta had high expectations coming into the year and they’re facing a potential overhaul in the offseason.
Getting the 8 seed shouldn’t change that calculus, but these are some proud vets who I think will battle to the end and try to make one last stand.