NBA Playoff Preview: Experts' Picks and Analysis

The 2025 NBA play-in tournament begins on Tuesday, with eight teams vying for the last four playoff spots. The Golden State Warriors will face the Memphis Grizzlies in the 7-8 game, while the Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks will battle for the Eastern Conference's No. 7 seed. In the West, the Dallas Mavericks will take on the Sacramento Kings, and the Miami Heat will face the Chicago Bulls. The losers of these games will be eliminated, while the winners will advance to Friday's play-in for each conference's No. 8 seed. The first-round tips off on Saturday, with the 3-6 and 4-5 matchups from each conference. The Nos. 1 and 2 seeds will host their Game 1s against play-in tournament winners on Sunday. Our NBA experts are making their picks for every play-in game and first-round series. Check out their predictions and analysis below.