NBA play-in tournament: Real-time updates from Wednesday’s games
The NBA play-in tournament proceeds on Wednesday as four teams aim to move closer to securing a playoff spot.
An Eastern Conference clash between the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers kicks off the evening. The victorious team will proceed to compete against the second-seeded Boston Celtics, while the losing team will face the Charlotte Hornets on Friday for the No. 8 seed. The Hornets triumphed over the Miami Heat 127-126 in overtime on Tuesday to advance.
The LA Clippers and Golden State Warriors will meet in the final game of the evening. The winner will go on to play the Phoenix Suns on Friday, with the No. 8 seed at stake. The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Suns 114-110 on Tuesday to earn the right to face the second-seeded San Antonio Spurs.
Philadelphia secured the season series against Orlando, although the teams have not faced each other since January and both possess identical records (45-37). The Magic had a five-game winning streak before losing their final regular-season game against the Celtics, who were resting key players. The 76ers concluded the season with two consecutive victories after experiencing a three-game losing streak.
In the Western Conference, the Warriors-Clippers matchup features two former NBA Finals MVPs, Stephen Curry and Kawhi Leonard. They are the first duo of former Finals MVPs to compete in a play-in game, as noted by ESPN Research. Leonard recorded a career-high average of 27.9 points along with 6.4 rebounds and 1.9 steals. Curry participated in only 43 games due to a knee injury, marking his lowest total since the 2019-20 season, and averaged 26.6 points. The Clippers won the season series 3-1 against the Warriors.
Who will emerge victorious on Wednesday night? Stay tuned for live updates and highlights.
