Wetin dey happen for NBA world today na serious gist o. The regular season don wrap up, and for Eastern Conference, everything don set. Toronto Raptors, dem don finally lock in as number five seed after dem beat Brooklyn Nets for their last game. This one mean say dem don escape play-in tournament completely. Na big win for team wey nobody expect to reach this level.
But wait, make we yarn how this thing happen. See, Orlando Magic get chance to secure better position, but dem go lose to Boston Celtics reserves. Yes, you hear am correct. Celtics bench players come shock Magic starters for one game wey shift everything. That loss push Magic down to number eight, meaning dem go start playoffs from play-in tournament. Na serious miscalculation from Orlando side.
For Raptors side, dem dey celebrate proper. Coach Darko Rajaković talk say dem ready for challenge ahead. “Dem get amazing team, amazing coach,” him yarn about Cleveland Cavaliers wey be their first round opponent. “Everybody think dem na contenders, and I agree with that. Dem loaded.”
Now make we look the playoff matchups wey don set for East. Number one Detroit Pistons go wait for winner of play-in. Number two Boston Celtics go face play-in winner too. Number three New York Knicks go battle Atlanta Hawks. Number four Cleveland Cavaliers go face our own Toronto Raptors.
For play-in tournament, number seven Philadelphia 76ers go host number eight Orlando Magic on Wednesday. Number nine Charlotte Hornets go face number ten Miami Heat for Tuesday. Winners of these games go decide who complete the playoff bracket.
Interesting part be say Raptors don beat Cavaliers three times this season. All those wins happen early for season – October 31, November 13, and November 24. But Cavaliers no get James Harden for any of those games. Since dem trade for am in February, Cavaliers record na 19-7 with Harden. That one go change dynamics for playoff.
Key players for Raptors like RJ Barrett, Brandon Ingram, and Scottie Barnes go need to show their quality. Barnes especially dey important as engine of team transition game. For Cavaliers side, dem get home court advantage and better regular season record of 52-30.
Other teams wey dey make news include Philadelphia 76ers wey beat Milwaukee Bucks to secure number seven seed. Their bench players like Andre Drummond and Justin Edwards show serious performance. Tyrese Maxey finally find rhythm for third quarter after slow start.
For Western Conference, things still dey shake. Houston Rockets don qualify for playoffs but dem no know who dem go face yet – either Denver Nuggets or Los Angeles Lakers. Rockets prefer Lakers matchup because of injuries to Lakers players like Austin Reaves wey done for season.
Back to Raptors matter, this na their first playoff appearance since 2022. Last season dem finish 30-52, so this turnaround na big achievement. Coach Rajaković and players exceed expectations. Game one go hold at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, likely for April 18 or 19.
One concern for Raptors na Immanuel Quickley hamstring. Dem dey run additional tests on am. His shooting go dey important if dem want keep pace with Cavaliers offensive power.
As NBA playoffs dey approach, eyes dey on all these matchups. For Raptors fans, this na opportunity to show say dem don return to relevance. For Cavaliers, dem want prove say dem fit make deep playoff run. The stage don set, the ball go soon roll for real postseason action.
Do you have a news tip for NNN? Please email us at editor @ nnn.ng
