The NBA playoffs tip off Saturday with a revamped bracket after a dramatic Play-In Tournament settled the final seeds. The Miami Heat and Memphis Grizzlies clinched the No. 8 spots in their conferences Friday, joining the Warriors and Magic as the last teams to secure postseason berths.
Eastern Conference first-round matchups feature the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers against the Heat, while the Boston Celtics face the Orlando Magic. The Knicks battle the Pistons, and the Pacers take on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Bucks in a high-stakes Central Division clash.
Out West, the Thunder host the Grizzlies, and the Rockets meet Stephen Curry’s Warriors. LeBron James’ Lakers challenge the Timberwolves, and the defending champion Nuggets collide with Kawhi Leonard’s Clippers in a star-studded series.
Saturday’s opening slate includes Bucks-Pacers (1 p.m. ET, ESPN) and Lakers-Timberwolves (8:3 p.m. ET, ABC), while Sunday’s games showcase Ja Morant’s Grizzlies at the Thunder. The first round could extend through May, with the NBA Finals set for June.
With multiple MVP candidates and fresh rivalries, this year’s bracket promises fireworks as teams begin their championship quests tonight.
