NBA Play-In Preview Day 1

The NBA play-in games are here, and in between some teammate and wall-punching, teams battle for a chance at locking in the seven seed and progressing to the playoffs. In the Eastern Conference, the Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks face off in a sudden-death win-and-in game for the 7-seed, and in the Western Conference, the LA Lakers host the Minnesota Timberwolves for a chance at the 7-seed as well.

The first NBA play-in game features Jimmy Butler and the East 7-seed Miami Heat ($1.47) hosting Trae Young's 8-seed Atlanta Hawks ($2.62) in a replay of last year's playoff series. The Heat won eight of the last ten matchups against Atlanta, and are deserved favourites due to their impressive performance last year, beating Atlanta 4-1 and making it to the Eastern Conference finals. In a sudden-death game, it comes down to matchups, and the Heat are expected to win, with the likes of Dejounte Murray stepping up to keep it close.

In the West, LeBron James and Anthony Davis' LA Lakers host a reeling Minnesota Timberwolves missing two of its most important defensive pieces. The Lakers' defence has been a top-three unit since the All-Star break, and with LeBron and AD eyeing off a little extra rest and no Jaden McDaniels to throw at James, LA should bring its A-game to lock in the 7-seed and a first-round playoff matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Tip:

For those who want to place a bet, Jimmy Butler Points, Rebounds, Assists combined - Over 40.5: $1.82 is the best bet for the Miami Heat vs Atlanta Hawks game. 

Anthony Edwards Over 27.5 points - $1.87 is the best bet for the LA Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves game.