The great display between the Kings and the Wolves will not only be of interest at the level of the hierarchy in the West. The two teams face each other in the “In-Season Tournament”, the NBA tournament. And this meeting will be one of the challenges of the evening.
Members of the group C, Kings and Wolves are undefeated in this context (2 wins – 0 losses). In the event of a victory, the Wolves would secure first place in the group, and therefore qualification for the quarter-finals. In the event of a victory for the Kings, they should also count on a defeat for the Warriors to regain first place.
The Warriors (1v-1d), traveling to the Kings on Tuesday, who can stay in the race for qualification by winning against the Spurs (0v-3d), already eliminated.
If the two Californian teams and the Minnesota team finished with the same record (3v-1d), the “goal average” will decide their ranking. Things are even more uncertain in the group B where the five teams are still in the running.
The Suns still in the race?
By winning against the Clippers (1v-2l), the Pelicans (2v-1d) could clinch first place in the group, in the event of a defeat by Denver. The Nuggets (2v-1d) could also win first place in the group, and therefore qualification, by winning against the Rockets (1v-1d), if the Pelicans lose. But in the event of a tie between the Nuggets and the Pelicans, advantage to the latter who won against the reigning champions.
The craziest scenario? A victory for the Rockets, the Clippers and finally the Mavs (1v-2d) on Tuesday, and the five teams would finish with the same record (2v-2d).
Finally in the group A in the West, things are clearer since the Lakers (4v-0d) are already qualified. The challenge will be to follow the performance of the Suns (2v-1d) against the Grizzlies (0v-3d). In the event of a victory, Arizona players would still have a chance of being drafted. Remember that the six teams at the top of each group qualify, plus the two best runners-up.
Who will join the Pacers?
In the East, in the group A, the Pacers (3v-0d) will receive the weak Pistons (0v-3d) calmly, because they are already qualified. Their pursuers, Cavs (2v-1d), Sixers (2v-2d) and Hawks (1v-2d) do not play again until Tuesday.
In the group B, we will follow with more attention the move of the Heat (2v-0d) on the floor of the Knicks (1v-1d). If the Floridians win, they would have to play a small final against the Bucks (2v-0d), who host the Wizards (0v-3d) next Tuesday. The Hornets (1v-2d) are not eliminated but on unfavorable waivers.
Finally in the group C, the Celtics (2v-0d) appear in a position of strength before their trip to Orlando (2v-1d). If they win, they take first place in the group and qualify for the quarter-finals. A victory for the Magic, however, would change the situation. In this case, if the Nets (2v-1d) win against the Raptors (0v-2d) and the Celtics finish with a victory against the Bulls (0v-2d), three teams would end up with a tie. With again a decision which would be made on points.
In summary, there is no shortage of scenarios in this NBA tournament.
