Will “Playoff Jimmy” be able to rise to the occasion again in the Heat's play-in showdown with Joel Embiid and the 76ers?
Is this the NBA's version of… April Madness? Maybe. That may be the case simply because the SoFi Play-In Tournament, at least this early spring, is drawing the types of players and teams you wouldn't normally associate with a win-lose festival.
Still, here we are. Former NBA champions, MVPs, and future Hall of Famers will be playing with the frenetic spirit typically seen in June, but it all comes down to the league's high competitive balance this season putting them in a tough position. It's because I'm pushing.
Here's a look at some of the biggest stars of the eight-team tournament and what's on the line for a memorable week of hoops. (Listed alphabetically by last name):
Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat
Butler had just had a shaky season interrupted by injuries. He played 60 games, five games short of the minimum number of games for the major award. And the red flag went off for his inability to lead Miami to more wins and secure a playoff spot. But it was regular season Jimmy, so take it for what it's worth.
His play-in experience: Last spring, Butler began one of the most impressive postseason efforts in recent memory, scoring 31 points against the Bulls and clinching the No. 8 seed. The Heat then faced the top-seeded Bucks in the first round, and we all know what happened next — it happened with Jimmy.
Important question: Will Butler still be on fire and carry a chip on his shoulder every time he faces his old team, the Sixers, in a meaningful game?
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Curry has been the Warriors' only consistent player this season, always adapting in exigent situations. He will be a candidate for the Kia Clutch Player Award. Well, there's no emergency like the present.
his play-in experience: Curry was brilliant in what was a bittersweet taste of his only play-in so far. He had thrilling duels with LeBron James and later Ja Morant in 2021, but fell short on the scoreboard and watched the playoffs from the couch (or the golf course).
Important question: The last time Curry faced the Kings in an elimination tip-off (Game 7 last spring), he dropped 50 pieces. Will the Warriors need that much energy from him again?
Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers
Davis was the Lakers' best player at both rims this season, balancing scoring with LeBron James while showing a high level of protection that earned him Kia's Defensive Player of the Year award. He also stands up for his former team, the Pelicans.
his play-in experience: Davis scored 25 points and grabbed 12 rebounds against the Warriors in 2021, scoring 13 points in the fourth quarter and contributing to a thrilling come-from-behind victory. And last year, he atoneed for a last-second foul in regulation by dropping 24 and 15 against Minnesota.
important questions: Does Davis have a lingering back issue that flared up in last Sunday's game against the Pelicans and caused him to be ejected in the final five minutes?
DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls
In a season of mixed messages for the Bulls, the one constant was DeRozan. DeRozan had a quiet strong season, averaging 24 points in 79 games and ranking second in the NBA in total clutch points.
His play-in experience: DeRozan was strong (41 minutes) and solid (26 points, nine assists) in the final play-in game, but was outplayed by Butler in Miami's victory that eliminated the Bulls.
Important question: If the Bulls don't make the playoffs, and they need two wins to do so, will this be the last time DeRozan, who became a free agent this summer, plays in a Bulls uniform?
Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
He is arguably the most intriguing player of the tournament. Embiid just returned from a knee injury that derailed what was shaping up to be his best season. Now, suddenly, the reigning Kia MVP could transform the Sixers and bring postseason suspense to the East, which was (was?) considered the home of the Celtics.
His play-in experience: This will be his first play-in appearance.
important questions: They've won eight straight games and Embiid has been in the lineup for five games since returning, but do the Sixers really need to rely on their big man that much for one, maybe two, games? If so, will he be able to withstand the load after missing so much time?
lebron james, los angeles lakers
Strangely (and perhaps amusingly), a few years ago, it was James who wondered out loud about the “genius” who came up with the idea for Play-In. Well, the tournament was a huge success and LeBron thrived in those situations twice.
His play-in experience: James got the best of Curry in an interesting back-and-forth in 2021 and won against the Timberwolves in 2023 with 30 points and 10 rebounds.
Important question: LeBron continues to slow down Father Time here in his 21st season, but his playing time has skyrocketed in the stretch run. Will that be a problem?
Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks
It wasn't a season killer when Trae Young suffered a finger injury after the All-Star break, giving the Hawks a clear setback. That's because Murray now has a chance to prove his worth. He averaged 27 points and nine assists in March, including three 40-point games.
his play-in experience: It was humiliating for Murray in 2022, as he was plagued by Pelicans defensive guru Herb Jones and lost five of 19 games. It was his last game for Spurs.
Important question: Can Murray provide the same or more energy on defense as he has on offense lately, especially with Young returning to lighten the scoring load?
Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings
It was a bit of a disappointing season for Sacramento, but Sabonis stood out with a performance that could earn him a spot on the All-NBA team. A double-double machine, Sabonis also showed notable improvement in running attacks from the high post, finding teammates to cut to the hoop.
his play-in experience:This is my first try at this tournament.
Important question: The Kings are missing two key pieces with Malik Monk and Kevin Huerter injured. This will definitely put a huge burden on Sabonis, especially as a scorer. Is he going to do that?
Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans
A healthy Zion? Yes, say that to the Pelicans who have been patiently waiting for Williamson to finish the season the same way he started it. Although this season hasn't always been smooth sailing for him (he famously got flamed in the semifinals of the season tournament), Williamson hit the ball hard last month, creating high-percentage shots that led to the Pelicans' victory.
his play-in experience: Last season, Williamson injured his hamstring in January and missed the Pelicans' play-in loss to OKC. Foot injuries were an issue in 2022, but the Pelicans made it through the tournament without him.
Important question: Williamson's below-average play in the in-season tournament was a bittersweet moment (other than injury) in his career. Now that he's back on a bigger stage than the regular season, will he understand the importance and get his first real taste of pressure basketball?
Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks
He missed 28 games due to injury, mostly to his finger, and even when healthy he was inconsistent and ineffective. Still, Young made the All-Star team and averaged 25.7 points and 10.8 assists per game. A constant threat with the ball and someone who creates buckets for himself and others, Young remains one of the most dangerous offensive players in the league.
his play-in experience: Young had a great performance against the Cavs two years ago, scoring 32 of his 38 points in the second half and sending the Hawks into the playoffs as the No. 8 seed.
important questions: Murray played his best ball since joining the Hawks while Young was injured. Could (and should) Young recognize that and delegate more ball-handling chores to Murray?
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Sean Powell has covered the NBA for over 25 years. You can email him here. His archive can be found here and Follow him on X.
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