2025 Play-In Wrap Up: Heat & Grizzlies Clinch Final Spots As NBA Playoff Bracket Is Set
- Pre Game Sports
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
The 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament concluded on April 18 with two decisive games, finalizing the playoff bracket. The Miami Heat secured the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference by defeating the Atlanta Hawks in overtime, while the Memphis Grizzlies clinched the 8th seed in the Western Conference with a victory over the Dallas Mavericks.
Play-In Tournament Highlights
Miami Heat 123, Atlanta Hawks 114 (OT)
The Miami Heat made history by becoming the first 10th seed to advance to the NBA Playoffs through the Play-In Tournament. Tyler Herro led the team with 30 points, including two crucial three-pointers in overtime, propelling the Heat past the Hawks.
Memphis Grizzlies 120, Dallas Mavericks 106
The Memphis Grizzlies secured the final Western Conference playoff spot by defeating the Dallas Mavericks. Ja Morant contributed 22 points and nine assists, while Jaren Jackson Jr. added 24 points.
The Mavericks, who had a 70% chance of making the playoffs before trading Luka Doncic, were eliminated from postseason contention making Anthony Davis only the second player since the merger to put up 40+ in a winner take all game while taking the loss. The other was Luka himself in game seven of the 2021 first round.
2025 NBA Playoff First-Round Matchups
Eastern Conference
(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (8) Miami Heat, Sunday - 4/20
(2) Boston Celtics vs. (7) Orlando Magic, Sunday - 4/20
(3) New York Knicks vs. (6) Detroit Pistons, Saturday - 4/19
(4) Indiana Pacers vs. (5) Milwaukee Bucks, Saturday - 4/19
Western Conference
(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (8) Memphis Grizzlies, Sunday - 4/20
(2) Houston Rockets vs. (7) Golden State Warriors, Sunday - 4/20
(3) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (6) Minnesota Timberwolves, Saturday - 4/19
(4) Denver Nuggets vs. (5) Los Angeles Clippers, Saturday - 4/19
Pregame Bar Crawl: Playoff Edition
As the NBA Playoffs tip off, fans can look forward to exclusive pregame pub crawls. These events will feature special drink offers at top sports bars, creating the perfect atmosphere to support your team during their postseason journey.