As we already know, the NBA came up with an innovative idea for an otherwise slow-paced start of the year, the In-season tournament. Despite being somewhat controversial, this tournament has allowed both teams and players to Shine as the group games went by.
So far, the intensity we could see throughout the games has been unreal, and it certainly is a good idea for this season stage. The last day of group games was hectic, as many teams were playing it all to advance to the quarterfinals. Only eight teams have clinched spots for the quarterfinals and will play against each other on December 4 and 5. Here is the preview for the west conference matchups:
Phoenix Suns (3-1) vs Los Angeles Lakers (4-0)
Despite both teams playing really well on the group stage, the Lakers have proved themselves as the superior team thus far and one of the favorites to win this tournament, having yet to lose any games. The home-court advantage will also play an impactful role in this matchup, as it is only a one-game series, the winner takes all and advances to the semifinals. Therefore, the Lakers emerged as the favorite to win this game.
However, the Phoenix Suns team has risen to the occasion when it matters, playing exceptionally well since this season started, the star being a healthy KD running the offensive production and a well-balanced roster, clinching the best second place in the Western Conference. This matchup will be one of the most entertaining to watch of the entire tournament.
Players to watch:
LeBron James: 25.1 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 6.3 APG, 55.8 FG%
Anthony Davis: 22.2 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 3.3 APG, 2.8 BPG
Kevin Durant: 31.3 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 5.5 APG, 49.3 3P%
Devin Booker: 27.3 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 8.5 APG, 92.2 FT%
Winner Prediction: Lakers Win
Sacramento Kings (4-0) vs New Orleans Pelicans (3-1)
With the Sacramento Kings pulling a last-minute comeback after a 24-point deficit against the Warriors in the last game of group play, they might have gained the confidence they needed for this quarterfinal matchup, as they remained undefeated throughout group play. Nevertheless, New Orleans has been a solid team throughout the In-season tournament and may have pretty even odds to win this game.
Across the board, both teams share plenty of similarities on both ends of the court, and this will make an interesting yet close game as a result, it will all boil down to how each one of them makes the most of every opportunity and exploits the weaknesses of the opponent’s game.
Players to watch:
De’Aaron Fox: 30.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 5.8 APG
Domantas Sabonis: 18.7 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 6.9 APG, 58.7 FG%
Zion Williamson: 24.0 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 4.9 APG, 56.6 FG%, 50.0 3P%
Brandon Ingram: 24.0 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 5.1 APG, 50.3 FG%
Winner Prediction: New Orleans Pelicans Win
Text sources: nba.com
