The NBA Play-In Tournament is just days away and the standings in both conferences could change drastically. Here are some performances over the last week that had a big impact on the playoff race that you might’ve missed.
Myles Turner vs. Utah on April 4
The Indiana Pacers have been one of the league’s most impressive teams post-All-Star Weekend. Indiana has firm control of the fourth seed in the East as the regular season comes to a close and the Pacers’ role players are starting to heat up at the right time. One of those players is center Myles Turner.
Against the Jazz, Turner had 26 points and six blocks in the Pacers’ decisive 140-112 win. Turner is vital to the Pacers’ success as he is arguably the best stretch big in the league. On the season, he is averaging two blocks per game and is shooting just under 40% from 3-point range. Turner is Indiana’s longest-tenured player and in this year’s playoffs, the Pacers will be looking to build on last season’s success in which they made their first conference finals appearance since 2014.
Gary Trent Jr. vs. New Orleans on April 6
The Milwaukee Bucks are getting hot at the right time. They have won five straight games and during their win streak, they have shown how deep of a team they are. Against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Bucks got the win without Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo as Gary Trent Jr. scored a game-high 29 points.
Trent Jr. was one of Milwaukee’s best additions during the offseason as he is shooting nearly 42% from beyond the arc. Throughout his career, he has been a very reliable 3-point shooter and on-ball defender. If Milwaukee is able to get Lillard and other key players like center Jericho Sims back in time for the postseason, the Bucks could surprise a lot of fans with a deep postseason run.
Kel’el Ware vs. Philadelphia on April 7
It always feels like the Miami Heat find a way to sneak into the postseason. Although they have to get out of the Play-In Tournament first, the Heat should still be a tough out because of how hard they play on every possession. It is unlikely that Miami will make any real postseason noise this year, but they have a lot to look forward to next year with the development of rookie center Kel’el Ware.
The 76ers are not the most impressive opponent to face these days, but the rookie still put up 19 points and 17 rebounds. Those 17 boards were a career-high and helped lead the Heat to a 117-105 victory. As Miami tries to rediscover its identity in the post-Jimmy Butler era, Ware’s production will be critical as the Heat are trying to prove they are still a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference.
Bobby Portis vs. Minnesota on April 8
Bobby Portis is back folks. After serving a 25-game suspension for taking a banned substance, Portis made his presence felt as the Bucks completed one of the wildest fourth-quarter comebacks in recent memory. Portis had 18 points, 10 rebounds, two steals and a block as the Bucks overcame a 24-point deficit against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Portis’ energy was critical as the Bucks went on a 34-3 run to win the game and outscored Minnesota 35-8 in the fourth quarter. If the Bucks handle their business in the final three games of the regular season, they should have firm control of the fifth seed and could even catch Indiana for the fourth spot, although it is unlikely.
Jalen Pickett vs. Sacramento on April 9
All eyes are on the Denver Nuggets after the shocking firings of head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth. The Nuggets played their first game following these moves against the Kings and came up with a 124-116 win. Four players scored at least 20 points in the win, but guard Jalen Pickett had an underrated performance.
Pickett finished the game with 18 points and made five 3-pointers. As the Nuggets try to prove their doubters wrong, many wonder if it is possible for Denver to look to go to Pickett off the bench over seasoned veteran guard Russell Westbrook, who has been scrutinized a lot lately. As the regular season comes to a close, Denver is looking to do everything it can to avoid the Play-In Tournament.