NBA Play-in Tournament: 5 players who could thrive in the play-in

The play-in tournament that was first implemented last season was a way to bring some level of fairness in the chase for the final playoff spot when teams’ schedules and No. of games played were thrown off due to the pandemic.

Now, after last season’s Blazers/Grizzlies battle was met with rave reviews, the play-in incentivizes more teams to compete deeper into the season. Whereas teams seeded 10-through-12 would previously begin focusing on the draft process with less than 20 games remaining, they’re now gifted with an outside shot at some extra basketball.

The unique stakes of the NBA’s newly-implemented play-in tournament offer a stage certain players are uniquely suited to thrive on.

A single-game elimination tournament requires a considerably different approach compared to a traditional seven-game playoff series. Players can ease their way into a postseason matchup, particularly in the early stages. They can shake off some rust and learn the tendencies of their opponent to gain an edge. They’re offered time those in the play-in don’t have.

The play-in tournament requires players to be at their best from the jump until the final buzzer. Anything less can cost them their season. It helps to have players capable of going on extended hot streaks to provide a boost that could wind up the difference-maker in the outcome.

Among the teams with a significant chance at landing in the play-in, here are five players uniquely suited to thrive within the type of pressures the NBA could previously only offer in a Game 7.