Can ‘Playoff Jimmy’ rise to the occasion again for the Heat in their Play-In clash against Joel Embiid and the 76ers?
Is this the NBA’s version of … April Madness? Maybe so, if only because the SoFi Play-In tournament is filled with the kind of players and teams you wouldn’t normally associate with a win fest or otherwise, at least in early spring.
Yet here we are. There will be former NBA champions, MVPs and future Hall of Famers playing with a fevered spirit usually seen in June, all because the league’s high competitive balance this season has put them in a difficult position.
Here’s a look at some of the eight-team tournament’s biggest stars and what’s at stake in what should be an unforgettable week of hoops (listed alphabetically by last name):
Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat
Butler had just had an uneven injury-interrupted season — playing 60 games, five short of the minimum for major awards — and was red-flagged for his inability to lead Miami to more wins and a playoff berth. But this was the regular season Jimmy, so take it for what it’s worth.
His Play-In Experience: Last spring, Butler launched one of the most impressive postseason runs in recent memory with a 31-point effort against the Bulls to clinch the No. 8 seed. Then the Heat played the top-seeded Bucks in the first round, and we all know what happened next — Jimmy happened.
Basic question: Is Butler still breathing fire and carrying the brand on his shoulder every time he plays his old team, the Sixers, in a meaningful game?
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Curry has been the only consistent player for the Warriors this season and has consistently risen to the occasion in pressing situations. will be nominated for the Kia Clutch Player Award. Well, there is no urgency like now.
His Play-In experience: Curry was excellent in his only previous taste of Play-In, which was bittersweet. He had exciting duels with LeBron James and then Ja Morant in 2021, but fell short in scoring and watched the playoffs from the couch (or the golf course).
Basic question: The last time Curry played the Kings in a shutout tip — Game 7 last spring — he dropped a 50 piece. Will the Warriors demand that much energy from him again?
Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers
Davis has been the best Laker this season in both rims, providing scoring balance with LeBron James while showing a high level of protection that will earn him some Kia Defensive Player of the Year mention. He also pitches for the Pelicans, his former team.
His Play-In experience: Davis had 25 points and 12 rebounds in 2021 against the Warriors, scoring 13 points in the fourth quarter to lead the thrilling comeback win. Then last year, he went down 24 and 15 against Minnesota to atone for his last-second foul in regulation.
Basic question: Will Davis have the back problems that flared up and forced him out of last Sunday’s game against the Pelicans in the final five minutes?
DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls
In a season of mixed messages for the Bulls, the one constant has been DeRozan, who has quietly had a strong season, averaging 24 points in 79 games and being No. 2 in the NBA in clutch total points.
His Play-In experience: DeRozan was solid (41 minutes) and solid (26 points, nine assists) in his final Play-In game, but he outplayed Butler in Miami’s shutout win over the Bulls.
Basic question: If the Bulls fail to make the playoffs — and they’ll need to win twice to do so — will that be the last time DeRozan — a free agent this summer — plays in a Bulls uniform?
Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
He is, perhaps arguably, the player who carries the most intrigue in this tournament. Embiid just returned from a knee injury that derailed what was shaping up to be his best season. Now, all of a sudden, Kia’s reigning MVP can transform the Sixers and perhaps bring postseason suspense to the East, which was (is?) a Celtics stronghold.
His Play-In Experience: He will make his first appearance in the Play-In.
Basic question: Having won eight straight games, five with Embiid in the lineup since his return, will the Sixers even need to lean so heavily on their big man for one or possibly two games? And if so, can he handle the load after missing so much time?
LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
Interestingly (and perhaps hilariously), it was James who wondered aloud a few years ago about the “genius” who came up with the Play-In idea. Well, well — the tournament was a huge success, and LeBron has twice flourished in such situations.
His Play-In Experience: James got the best of Curry in a fun back-and-forth in 2021, then had 30 points and 10 rebounds in a 2023 win against the Wolves.
Basic question: LeBron continues to delay father time here in his 21st season, but his playing time has skyrocketed. will it be an issue?
Dejud Murray, Atlanta Hawks
When Trae Young suffered a finger injury after the All-Star break and gave the Hawks an apparent setback, it wasn’t a season-killer. And that’s because Murray seized the opportunity to show his worth. He averaged nearly 27 points with nine assists in March, including three 40-point games that month.
His Play-In experience: It was humbling for Murray in 2022, as he was roughed up by Pelicans defensive tackle Herb Jones in a 5-for-19 night in the loss. It was his last game with Spurs.
Basic question: Can Murray provide the same or more energy on defense as he has recently on offense, especially with Young returning to lighten his scoring load?
Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings
In a slightly disappointing season for Sacramento, Sabonis broke out with a performance that could land him on the All-NBA team. A double-double machine, Sabonis also showed marked improvement while running the offense from the high post, finding teammates cutting to the rim.
His Play-In experience: This is his first attempt at the tournament.
Basic question: The Kings are missing two important pieces with injuries to Malik Monk and Kevin Huerter. This will undoubtedly put more strain on Sabonis, especially as a scorer. Is he ready for it?
Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans
A healthy Zion? Yes, please, say the Pelicans, who have been patiently waiting for Williamson to finish a season the way he started it. While it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for him this season — he imploded in the in-season tournament semifinals — Williamson has delivered over the last month, bully ball resulting in high-percentage shots and Pelican wins.
His Play-In experience: Last season, Williamson strained his hamstring in January, causing him to miss the Pelicans’ Play-In loss to OKC. In 2022, a leg injury was the problem, but the Pelicans survived the tournament and went on without him.
Basic question: Williamson’s lowest game during the in-season tournament was an ugly (non-injury) moment in his career. Now that he’s back on a stage bigger than the regular season, will he understand the importance and provide his first real taste of pressure basketball?
Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks
He missed 28 games with an injury, mostly to his finger, and even when healthy had gaps of inconsistency and ineffectiveness. However, Young made the All-Star team and averaged 25.7 points and 10.8 assists per game. Always a threat on the ball and a creator of buckets for himself or others, Young remains one of the most dangerous offensive players in the league.
His Play-In experience: Young was outstanding two years ago against the Cavs, with 32 of his 38 points in the second half, sending the Hawks into the playoffs as the No. 8 seed.
Basic question: Murray played his best ball since joining the Hawks while Young was injured. Can (or should) Young recognize this and give Murray more ball-handling work?
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Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for over 25 years. You can e-mail him here, find its file here and follow him to X.
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