The 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament predictions are in as the postseason tips off with must-watch clashes between the seventh and eighth seeds. Tuesday’s matchups will determine the No. 7 seeds in the East and West, while the losers will face elimination games Friday for the final playoff spots.
Eastern Conference: (8) Hawks @ (7) Magic — 7:30 p.m. ET, TNT
The winner of this matchup will claim the No. 7 seed and face the Boston Celtics in the first round. The loser will meet the winner of Wednesday’s Heat-Bulls showdown to battle for the No. 8 spot.
Season Series: Tied 2-2
Key Storyline: Contrast in styles
Orlando leans on its young frontcourt stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Together, they average 61.3 points per game against Atlanta — better than the 55.3 from Milwaukee’s Giannis and Lillard. The Magic play at the league’s slowest pace and use physicality as a weapon. In contrast, the Hawks play fast and rely on guard-heavy offense led by Trae Young.
Key Matchup: Trae Young vs. Orlando’s rotating defense
With Jalen Suggs out since January, Orlando will throw multiple defenders at Young, including Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Anthony Black, Gary Harris, and Cole Anthony. Young loves the spotlight and raises his game in close contests. His clutch-time stats are elite — leading the league in clutch assists and free throws while ranking top three in points and threes.
Prediction: Magic
Atlanta has experience in Play-In games (3–1 all-time), but Orlando looks hungrier. They closed the season strong, winning five of six and 12 of their final 18 to reach .500. Banchero and Wagner are healthy again, and the Magic defense gives them the edge in a grind-it-out game.
Western Conference: (8) Grizzlies @ (7) Warriors — 10:00 p.m. ET, TNT
The winner faces Houston in Round 1. The loser plays the winner of Dallas vs. Sacramento for the West’s final playoff spot.
Season Series: Warriors won 3-1
Key Storyline: Will the Warriors capitalize on momentum?
Golden State had a resurgence late in the season, going 23–8 after adding Jimmy Butler mid-year. Though he missed the finale due to a thigh injury, Butler’s impact has been critical. Memphis, meanwhile, hasn’t hit stride under interim coach Tuomas Iisalo and has struggled in California (0–8 this season).
Key Matchup: Ja Morant vs. Steph Curry
This matchup is made for drama. Both stars are electric, and while Curry’s scoring fluctuated during the season series (ranging from 2 to 52 points), he remains the league’s most dangerous shooter. Morant had similar inconsistencies but showed he could explode offensively when needed.
Prediction: Warriors
Golden State is better built for this moment. They’re healthy, experienced, and motivated to extend their playoff window with Steph and Draymond. Memphis, on the other hand, limps into the Play-In with momentum going the wrong way.
With the 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament setting the tone for an unpredictable postseason, expect high intensity and big performances. Based on form, matchups, and clutch experience, the Magic and Warriors look poised to lock in their spots as the No. 7 seeds in their respective conferences.
