d-train wrote:I haven't looked up how the play-in works. I would really prefer the 7th or 8th seed. But, I also don't want to get cought in a fair fight against the Warriors. How much of a chance does the 9 or 10 team get to jump into the playoffs?
https://www.nba.com/news/nba-play-in-tournament
TL/DR: Win the 1st game, get the 7th seed. Lose the 1st one, win the 2nd, get the 8th seed. Lose both and no playoffs.
If the Blazers lose two straight to the Warriors/Grizzlies/Spurs, then they really don't deserve to be in the playoffs.
I feel the biggest advantage to the 6th seed is just the additional time to rest before the playoffs begin. None of the top 4 matchups are really favorable for the Blazers. But getting some time to rest (especially Dame) and to plan for a known opponent (should Stotts choose to) certainly has value.