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NBA 2K21: Our 2021 NBA Playoffs Play-In Tournament simulation

By Matthew Liebl

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 15: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers takes a shot close to the basket in the game against the Indiana Pacers during the fourth quarter at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on May 15, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 15: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers takes a shot close to the basket in the game against the Indiana Pacers during the fourth quarter at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on May 15, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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NBA 2K21: Our 2021 NBA Playoffs Play-In Tournament simulation
Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

Washington Wizards (No. 8) vs Boston Celtics (No. 7)

Sim Result: Washington Wizards def. Boston Celtics
Score Prediction: Wizards 124 – Celtics 102

The Boston Celtics limped into the Play-In Tournament having lost five of their last six games and nine of their past 13. Without standout guard Jaylen Brown (wrist), the Celtics just couldn’t keep up with the red-hot Wizards.

Celtics star forward Jayson Tatum did his best to step up, leading the team with 37 points in the simulation. But NBA 2K21 doesn’t take into account Tatum’s ailing ankle, so I think the simulation is a bit on the high end.

Washington finished the regular season with 17 wins in its last 23 games. Bradley Beal, who finished second in the NBA in scoring, led the Wizards with 33 points, but it will be interesting to see if he can do that in real life now that he’s less than full strength (strained left hamstring). Meanwhile, superstar Russel Westbrook finished the game with 29 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists.

If you ask me, this is a conservative prediction for what Westbrook can do. Westbrook finished the season with 38 triple-doubles and I think NBA 2K21 is playing it a little safe with its simulation.

Boston won two of the three regular-season meetings between these teams with Tatum averaging 31.5 points in the victories and just 6 points in the loss. This simulation has him scoring 30-plus points but the Celtics losing, which I think will be the outcome. Beal averaged 40.7 points in these games while Westbrook didn’t record a single triple-double. Ultimately, I agree with the simulation and could see Washington coming away with the win.

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