With the addition of play-in games to the 2021 NBA playoffs, the scramble for seeding is wilder — and more important — than ever, with almost every game down the stretch having significant postseason implications.
Here’s a breakdown of the key games from Monday and what the results mean for the seedings:
Memphis clinched a spot in the play-in tournament with the victory, but the fight for seeding continues. The race for the No. 8 spot in the West — and the safety net of having to win just one of two games to make the playoffs — could come down to the regular season’s final day, when Memphis and Golden State meet. The good thing for the Grizzlies is they don’t have to leave home until that matchup as they have games against Dallas and two against Sacramento before the finale.
The Pelicans’ play-in tournament hopes are now hanging by a thread. With three games left on their schedule (at Dallas, at Golden State, vs. Los Angeles Lakers), New Orleans would have to win out and hope the San Antonio Spurs lose out the rest of the way. Oh, and the Pelicans still don’t have Brandon Ingram (left ankle sprain) back and Zion Williamson (fractured left ring finger) also is out. — Andrew Lopez
Russell Westbrook made history with his 182nd career triple-double, but he missed a late 3-pointer as the Wizards slipped to the No. 10 spot in the East pecking order.
The Hawks, meanwhile, moved within a half-game of the Knicks for the No. 4 spot in the East behind a 36-point effort by Trae Young. After a rematch with Washington on Wednesday, Atlanta has a favorable finish with games against the Magic and Rockets.
Indiana swapped spots with the Wizards, moving into the No. 9 slot in the East, and reduced its magic number for clinching a play-in berth to two with four games remaining.
The Pacers have a tough closing stretch, with home games against the Sixers, Bucks and Lakers before finishing on the road against Toronto.
Play-in matchups entering Monday’s games
Play-in games to be held May 18-21
• How the play-in tournament will work
EAST
Game 1: No. 8 Charlotte at No. 7 Boston — winner is No. 7 seed in playoffs
Game 2: No. 10 Indiana at No. 9 Washington — winner moves on in play-in; loser is eliminated
Game 3: Indiana/Washington winner at Boston/Charlotte loser — winner is No. 8 seed in playoffs
WEST
Game 1: No. 8 Golden State at No. 7 Los Angeles Lakers — winner is No. 7 seed in playoffs
Game 2: No. 10 San Antonio at No. 9 Memphis — winner moves on in play-in; loser is eliminated
Game 3: Memphis/San Antonio winner at Lakers/Golden State loser — winner is No. 8 seed in playoffs
Tuesday’s key games
Nuggets at Hornets, 7 ET
Heat at Celtics, 7:30 ET
Clippers at Raptors, 7:30 ET
Sixers at Pacers, 8 ET
Nets at Bulls, 8 ET
Mavericks at Grizzlies, 8 ET
Magic at Bucks, 9 ET
Suns at Warriors, 10 ET
Knicks at Lakers, 10 ET