Before the 2025 NBA playoffs begin, eight teams will compete in this week’s play-in round to determine the last berths.
The Heat kept their season alive Wednesday with a decisive victory against the Bulls, while the Mavericks did the same against the Kings later in the night. On Tuesday night, the Magic defeated the Hawks, while the Warriors escaped a close game against the Grizzlies.
The Heat face the Hawks on Friday night, while the Mavericks play the Grizzlies.
Here’s all you need to know about the 2025 NBA play-in tournament, then scroll down for live updates on Wednesday’s games.
Mavericks Top Kings 120–106
The Dallas Mavericks have spent the last two months being chastised across the internet for a specific transaction made one quiet February evening. The dispute continued, but Dallas made it appear everything was going as planned for at least one night.
Despite Kyrie Irving’s damaged ACL, the Mavericks looked like the anticipated Anthony Davis-led contender, thanks to a stifling defense and some scorching shooting. They will face the Grizzlies in Memphis on Friday, with the winner earning the No. 8 seed.
With Grizzlies standout Ja Morant potentially nursing an ankle ailment, this may be an intriguing clash.
Davis’ record in the NBA play-in tournament now stands at 4-0, and he made his presence felt on both sides of the floor. The big guy finished with 27 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks. He received a lot of assistance from Klay Thompson, who scored 16 of his 23 points in the deciding second quarter. Both were playing their first postseason game as Mavericks.
The Kings’ season ends sourly, with the Golden 1 Center occasionally booing them.
Point guard De’Aaron Fox requested and accepted a trade, marking the end of an era for the club. Zach LaVine played as well as could be anticipated after joining Sacramento in that deal, but this squad still needs a reset after dismissing head coach Mike Brown.
The franchise is getting started, as ESPN reported after the game that it has amicably parted ways with general manager Monte McNair.
Heat Handle Bulls 109-90 in Play-In Victory
The Chicago Bulls dominated their games against the Miami Heat throughout the regular season, winning all three and maintaining a constant advantage. Despite Miami’s postseason history, Chicago won each time the two clubs met, sweeping the season series 3-0.
However, there was a little mistake about who was the better team in Wednesday’s elimination game between the Heat and the Bulls. It was not Chicago.
The Heat hit the Bulls in the mouth in the first quarter and never looked back. With the victory, Miami remains in the playoffs and will meet the Hawks in another elimination game on Friday.
The winner of that game will receive the No. 8 seed in the East. The loser’s season will end.
With Wednesday’s setback, Chicago’s season ended in front of a home crowd who booed the team off the floor at halftime.
Miami raced out to a 39-28 first-quarter advantage, with Chicago offering little defense. The Heat led 71-47 at halftime because of Tyler Herro’s perfect first-half performance (23 points, 8-of-8 from the field, 3-of-3 from three).
The Bulls showed their first signs of life in the third quarter, trimming Miami’s advantage by ten points. But it was too little, too late. The Heat never let the Bulls go inside single digits, and they are now one win away from sealing a postseason spot after entering the NBA play-in as the No. 10 seed. Herro led the way on Wednesday night with 38 points, five rebounds, and four assists.
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