Split
The main round is over, but before the play-offs in the NBA, the play-in is coming up. Also present: The Los Angeles Lakers around Dennis Schröder and superstar LeBron James. We explain how to proceed now.
What role does Dennis Schröder play, when does the play-offs begin and what is the play-in mode like – the answers are here.
?What is the play-in about?
Before the start of the playoffs in the National Basketball Association (NBA), the so-called play-in tournament takes place. The teams in places seven to ten in the two conferences each play two play-off participants. The teams ranked first through sixth in the regular season are seeded for the playoffs.
?What is the format of this tournament?
The teams in seventh and eighth place in the “regular season” play a direct duel for a play-off starting place – the winners meet the teams seeded number two in the first play-off round. The losers of duels seven/eight meet the winners of duels between the teams ranked ninth and tenth in the regular season. The winners of these duels play in the play-offs against the number one seeded teams.
?Who is playing the play-in tournament?
In the Eastern Conference, the Miami Heat (7) play against the Atlanta Hawks (8) and the Toronto Raptors (9) play against the Chicago Bulls (10). In the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Lakers (7) meet the Minnesota Timberwolves (8) and the New Orleans Pelicans (9) meet the Oklahoma City Thunder (10).
?How is Germany’s superstar Dennis Schröder doing?
Better. The 29-year-old German international is expected to return to action against the Timberwolves on Tuesday after a two-game break due to a neck injury. The Lakers have won nine of their last eleven games, so LeBron James demands in no uncertain terms: “We have to stay sharp.” If they win against Minnesota, the Grizzlies are the first-round opponents in the play-offs.
?Are there any other Germans there?
In addition to Schröder, Isiah Hartenstein still has a chance at the NBA title with the New York Knicks, who have already qualified for the playoffs. On the other hand, the brothers Franz and Moritz Wagner with Orlando Magic, Daniel Theis with the Indiana Pacers and Maximilian Kleber with the Dallas Mavericks missed the play-in tournament.
?When are games played?
The three duels in each case will be played from April 11th to 14th in the city of the team that has placed better after the preliminary round.
?What’s next in the NBA after that?
The other first-round pairings for the first round of the play-offs have already been determined. Eastern Conference: Philadelphia 76ers (3)-Brooklyn Nets (6), Cleveland Cavaliers (4)-New York Knicks (5). The Milwaukee Bucks (1) and the Boston Celtics (2) are waiting for an opponent from the play-in tournament. Western Conference: Sacramento Kings (3) – Golden State Warriors (6/Defending champions), Phoenix Suns (4) – Los Angeles Clippers (5). Opponents have not yet been determined: Denver Nuggets (1), Memphis Grizzlies (3).
?When do the playoffs start this year?
The first knockout round starts on April 15th. The game is played according to the »best of seven« mode. The title will be awarded no later than June 18th. SID
