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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
Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

Charlotte Hornets (No. 10) vs Boston Celtics (No. 7)

Sim Result: Boston Celtics def. Charlotte Hornets
Score Prediction: Celtics 124 – Hornets 112

Assuming our NBA 2K21 prediction holds true, the Charlotte Hornets would face the Boston Celtics, with the winner becoming the No. 8 seed in the 2021 playoffs. Led by Kemba Walker’s 36 point performance, the Celtics are predicted to defeat the Hornets and become the No. 8 seed in the East. Jayson Tatum scored 28 in this simulation.

Obviously, for this to happen, our other simulations have to be correct. If these two teams do meet up in the Play-In Tournament, it’s not unlikely that the Celtics scrape together a win. Of course, with no Jaylen Brown, it won’t be easy and I don’t think we should expect too much of them should they advance.

NBA 2K21: Our 2021 NBA Playoffs Play-In Tournament simulation
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Memphis Grizzlies (No. 9) vs Golden State Warriors (No. 8)

Sim Result: Memphis Grizzlies def. Golden State Warriors
Score Prediction: Grizzlies 109 – Warriors 97

This would be another fantastic matchup to watch in real life, but I don’t think I agree with NBA 2K21’s prediction that the Grizzlies would defeat the Warriors. Again, the simulation predicts another big game from Jonas Valanciunas, leading the team with 19 points. But true to form, it’s a team effort with Brandon Clarke and Ja Morant putting up 16 and 13 points, respectively.

The simulation calls for Steph Curry to score 34 points. He was much more effective from the arc in this game, shooting 8-14 from the three-point range. If the Warriors are to move on from the Play-In Tournament, Curry will need some help. In the prediction, Andrew Wiggins scored only eight points in 32 minutes of game time (2-15 FG, 1-6 3PT). That won’t get it done.

I personally think the Warriors would defeat the Grizzlies should they meet in the Play-In Tournament, but I don’t think it’s out of the question that Memphis could come away with the win.

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