As the NBA season draws to a close, the play-in tournament looms overhead for a number of teams in the Western Conference.
If the Lakers are able to win their next two games, and the Blazers lose their final match, they can avoid the play-in entirely, and instead skip straight to a first-round matchup against the Clippers.
If not, then they’ll have to battle for their spot, which means they’ll likely be facing the Grizzlies or Warriors.
Interestingly, both Memphis and Golden State made the interesting decision to rest much of their starters on Friday, leading some fans to joke that they’re doing all they can to avoid a play-in matchup against the Lakers.
Grayson Allen, Kyle Anderson, Dillon Brooks, Brandon Clarke, Jaren Jackson Jr., Sean McDermott, Ja Morant and Jonas Valanciunas are ALL out tonight for Grizzlies vs. Kings.
— Jason Anderson (@JandersonSacBee) May 14, 2021
Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins are out tonight against the Pelicans, per source. Banged up at the end of a long season and no stakes on the line. Memphis resting all their main guys tonight, as well. Both teams gearing up for Sunday's finale.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) May 14, 2021
Realistically, it’s likely that both teams decided to rest their players because they don’t care who they face in the play-in. At this point, it probably doesn’t matter much to them who they might have to get through in a play-in scenario. Plus, it’s really Sunday’s game (between the Warriors and Grizzlies) that matters anyway, so resting players today means very little in the grand scheme of things.
Still, the fans persisted in perpetuating the idea that they’re throwing games on purpose to drop a spot and avoid L.A.
https://twitter.com/riseofthetides/status/1393326660858957827
Idk…Grizzlies may be trying to tank to avoid the Lakers in the play in game…they have a nice lead over the 10th place Spurs
— Tone Burgs (@Tone930) May 14, 2021
Trying to tank to avoid the Lakers 😂
— Edward Agadjanian (@TheNamesEdward) May 14, 2021
From what I saw on the TL they're purposefully trying to lose so they can avoid the Lakers in the second round
— Abel (@AbelGe87) May 14, 2021
It’s hilarious seeing all of these players in the playoffs resting to avoid playing the Lakers first round 🤣🤣🤣
— Be You (@TheLifeAndTimez) May 14, 2021
All jokes aside, it will be interesting to see how it all plays out and who will end up advancing the furthest.
This postseason is really shaping up to be one of the best.
