Playing two series against play-in teams.

[wdleehi]

Both Boston and Denver are playing their 2nd series against a play-in team.   

Is there ever going to be a playoffs like this again?   


(I am hoping no team gets to play a 3rd series against a play-in team)

[ozgod]

I guess it vindicates the NBA's play in tournament?

[Celtics2021]

I guess it vindicates the NBA's play in tournament?

Maybe?  Both the Heat and the Lakers would have been in the playoffs without the play-in.  I think the excitement at the end of the regular season was already vindicating, personally, especially out West.

[Moranis]

Well the Celtics are going to beat 3 of them on their way to the title. 

That said, the Lakers have the best record in basketball since the all star break.  They aren't exactly a typical play in team.  The Heat aren't either given the recent history but they didn't make significant changes either.

[Vermont Green]

I just can’t look ahead and pick whether I would rather play this team or that team. I just want to see the Heat series start with two good solid wins at home.

As to the play in format, someone said that both these teams would have made it anyways. But what I think the play in does is allow teams to coast more during the regular season. You can lose more and still get in. I think it leads to more resting of older stars during the regular season.