As we head towards the start of the 2021 NBA playoffs, teams get ready for intense matchups with hopes to win a championship. What happened in the regular season no longer matters anymore. The playoffs consist of eight teams from the western conference and eight teams from the eastern conference.

These teams get seeded number one to eight based off of their performance and overall record in the regular season. During the playoffs, there are four rounds. The first round, the conference semi-final, the conference finals, and the NBA championship is the order of these rounds. Each round of the playoffs is a seven game series. However, this year’s playoffs are different. For the first time ever, there will be a NBA Play-In Tournament before the playoffs start.

In the NBA Play-In Tournament, the 7th seed and the 8th seed will play each other in each conference, while the 9th and 10th seed play each other in each conference. The winner of the 8th seed vs 7th seed game will become the 7th seed in the playoffs. The winner of the 9th vs 10th seed game will play the loser of the 8th vs 7th seed game for the 8th seed in the playoffs, while the loser of the 9th vs 10th seed game will be eliminated.

For example, In the Eastern Conference, The 7th seed Boston Celtics beat the 8th seed Washington Wizards to become the 7th seed in the playoffs. The Wizards then beat the 9th seed Indiana Pacers, who beat the 10th seed Charlotte Hornets in their first play in game, to become the 8th seed in the playoffs. 

“The Play-In Tournament is a good opportunity for teams and other players to play well and make the playoffs,” sophomore Jacob Summersgill said. 

When the Play-In Tournament ends, the playoffs start. There are many talented teams and players in the playoffs that are contenders to win a championship. 

“I think the Brooklyn Nets will win the championship because they have three superstar players and a mid-tier bench,” Summersgill said.

The Nets three superstars are Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving. 

I like what I’m watching so far, I am excited to watch the Brooklyn Nets and I think they can win the championship,” sophomore Davida Raharinaivo said. 

Even though the Nets are the favorites to win the championship, there are other teams that have a great chance of winning. The Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Utah Jazz, Milwaukee Bucks, and Phoenix Suns can make a huge playoff run for the championship. 

“I am excited to watch the Suns because they are an underrated team and have a good starting Lineup and solid bench,” Summersgill said. 

The Phoenix Suns best players are Chris Paul, who has a lot of playoff experience, and Devin Booker, who is a younger player with loads of potential. 

There are plenty of NBA players that students are excited to watch during the playoffs. 

I am looking forward to watching Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving,” Raharinaivo said.

The NBA playoffs are going to be exciting this year. Many teams have a shot to win, and fans will watch great players make great plays. It is safe to say that this year’s NBA playoffs will be very enjoyable for students to watch.