Kevin Durant makes his predictions for the NBA In-Season tournament.
Periodically, NBA.com editors will offer their thoughts on key storylines or hot topics around the league.
The group stage of the NBA In-Season tournament begins on Friday, November 3. Make your prediction on the eight teams that will qualify for the round of 16.
Steve Aschburner
In the East:
- Pacers (Is A)
- Heat (East B)
- Celtics (Is C)
- Riders (Eastern wild card A)
Teams motivated to pursue in-season tournament supremacy are a mixed bag. Teams full of talent (Celtics) tend to win anytime and anywhere, while stubborn teams (Heat), those on the rise (Cavaliers), and some on training wheels hungry for positive feedback (Pacers) see any trophy as a reward.
In the West:
- Lakers (West A)
- Pelicans (West B)
- Thunder (West C)
- kings (West C wild card)
It’s hard to imagine a party in Las Vegas without LeBron James involved. The Pelicans and Thunder are hungry for a playoff-like experience, while the Kings can draw energy from winning for what comes next in the spring.
Brian Martin
In the East:
- 76ers (Is A)
- Deer (East B)
- Celtics (Is C)
- Riders (Eastern Wild Card A)
The Joel Embiid-Tyrese Maxey combo appears ready to lead Philly with the The James Harden drama is over. Milwaukee’s talent stands out in Group B, and Boston has been the class of the conference. The Cavaliers beat the Hawks and the Knicks for my wild card.
In the West:
- Lakers (West A)
- Nuggets (West B)
- Warriors (West C)
- Nonconformists (Western wild card B)
The Lakers are ahead of the Suns in Group A thanks to their good health before group play. Same for the Warriors on the De’Aaron Kings Without Fox in Group C. There was no hangover for Denver in Group B, which should produce the wild card between the Mavs, Clippers and Pelicans.
Shaun Powell
In the East:
- 76ers (Is A)
- Deer (East B)
- Celtics (Is C)
- Riders (Eastern Wild Card A)
Philly survives James Harden trade thanks to Tyrese Maxey, who is playing at an All-Star level (small sample size, but still). Plus, Joel Embiid remains beastly. The Celtics are currently the best team in the East, followed by the Bucks, so there shouldn’t be any suspense about them. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers will have competition for that wild card from the Knicks and Hawks.
In the West:
- Suns (West A)
- Nuggets (West B)
- Warriors (West C)
- Clippers (Western wild card B)
Let’s not waste words explaining why the Nuggets belong here. When Devin Booker and Bradley Beal heal, the Suns will step on the gas and join them. After that, the choices become more difficult. The Warriors have an advantage because Chris Paul is integrating very quickly. The Clippers can only hope for the same with James Harden as the honeymoon period can end in Las Vegas for the round of 16.
John Schumann
In the East:
- 76ers (Is A)
- Knicks (East B)
- Celtics (Is C)
- Deer (Eastern wild card B)
The Celtics are a machine and the Sixers are off to a strong start. It’s tough to pick against the Bucks in Group B, but I didn’t want to cut to the chase and the Knicks get the Bucks early, with Khris Middleton not all the way. Still, this group is weak 3-5, giving Milwaukee an advantage over teams in other groups.
In the West:
- Lakers (West A)
- Nuggets (West B)
- Warriors (West C)
- Suns (Western Wild Card A)
The Lakers could take advantage of the Suns not being healthy to start the season, but it’s a weak group otherwise, giving a second team an advantage over other groups. The Nuggets simply look like the best team in the West, while the Warriors look like a title contender again.
Michael C. Wright
In the East:
- 76ers (Is A)
- Deer (East B)
- Celtics (Is C)
- Falcons (Eastern Wild Card A)
Kia’s reigning MVP, Joel Embiid, has been forced to deal with drama in the past. This was alleviated with the James Harden trade. The Bucks are still working out the kinks but will get back into shape soon. New addition Kristaps Porzingis adds more punch offensively to an already lethal Celtics team.
In the West:
- Suns (West A)
- Nuggets (West B)
- Warriors (West C)
- Nonconformists (Western wild card B)
Dallas’ quick start could prove to be a true marvel. If Luka Doncic can stay healthy and Derek Lively II continues to grow, the Mavs could surprise people. The defending champion Nuggets took over like it was the playoffs again. Phoenix, meanwhile, is still waiting for a healthy unit.
