NBA 2K21: Our 2021 NBA Playoffs Play-In Tournament simulation
San Antonio Spurs (No. 10) vs Memphis Grizzlies (No. 9)
Sim Result: Memphis Grizzlies def. San Antonio Spurs
Score Prediction: Grizzlies 100 – Spurs 91
This is another matchup I’m really excited about in the Play-In Tournament. The Spurs are looking to start a new postseason streak after their 22-year consecutive playoff appearances streak was snapped last season. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, haven’t made the playoffs in three years. Both teams have tremendous depth as well as star players in Ja Morant and DeMar DeRozen.
NBA 2K21 predicts the Grizzlies to battle out a win. Jonas Valanciunas showed how valuable playoff experience could be. As one of only two players on the Grizzlies with considerable playoff minutes, Valanciunas led the team with 21 points. Ja Morant, meanwhile, scored 19, shooting 8 of 14 from the field and 2 of 5 from beyond the arc.
For the Spurs, DeMar DeRozan led the team with 20 points (9-20). It was a disappointing showing for the Spurs in the simulation but one I think could happen.
The NBA 2K21 simulation predicts a score that would actually be closer than any of the contests played out between these two teams during the regular season. Memphis holds the 2-1 advantage with a combined margin of 48 points, so it’s not unrealistic that they’d come out of this game with the win.