NBA Play-In: Heat beat Bulls, Pelicans Knockout Kings

2024 NBA Playoffs set as Miami Heat and New Orleans Pelicans book their place after play-in.

NBA Play-In: Heat beat Bulls, Pelicans Knockout Kings

Tosin Abayomi 18:15 - 20.04.2024

2024 NBA Playoffs set as Miami Heat and New Orleans Pelicans book their place after play-in.

The Miami Heat won 112-91 against the Chicago Bulls in a play-in tournament elimination game to secure the final slot in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Tyler Herro scored 24 points and was one assist short from a triple-double, while youngster Jaime Jaquez Jr. chipped in 21 points.

With 16 points from Kevin Love and 13 from Bam Adebayo, Miami wins and advances to play the Boston Celtics again in the previous two East finals.

This time, it's Round 1, and the Heat are heavy underdogs versus the clear favorite to win the NBA championship.

Due to a right knee injury, Jimmy Butler will not play for the Heat versus Boston. Additionally, point guard Terry Rozier, who is still out due to a neck ailment, did not play.

Chicago's Coby White contributed 13 points, while Nikola Vucevic scored 16 points, pulled down 14 rebounds, and disheveled five assists. DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 22 points.

2024 NBA Playoffs set as Miami Heat and New Orleans Pelicans book their place after play-in.
2024 NBA Playoffs set as Miami Heat and New Orleans Pelicans book their place after play-in.

Pelicans beat Kings

The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Sacramento Kings 105-98 in the 8/9 West play-in elimination game, moving on to face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.

Sacramento blew an early lead after going through multiple shooting droughts in the first, second, and beginning of the fourth quarter.

With a 29–21 assist differential and a flurry of transition opportunities, New Orleans overpowered the visitors, cutting the Kings' advantage to as much as 20. They also shared the ball more easily.

Domantas Sabonis contributed 23 points, 14 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals, while De'Aaron Fox led Sacramento with 35 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals.

In place of forward Zion Williamson, Jonas Valanciunas contributed 19 points and 12 rebounds, while Brandon Ingram finished with 24 points, 6 assists, and 6 rebounds.

Tags: