3 NBA Play-In Tournament matchups that would be must-see TV for fans

No. 2 - Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns

A rivalry was formed in the 2022 NBA Playoffs when the Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns faced off in a seven-game series. It was a hard-fought, incredibly chippy outing, and Dallas won the series 4-3. Every game since this playoff matchup has featured that same type of intensity, as something about these two franchises meeting brings the best out of everyone involved.

This possible matchup would feature some of the best scorers that the game has ever seen. Phoenix has a star-studded trio in Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, who can all score from anywhere on the court. On Dallas' end, they have Luka Doncic and arguably the most skilled player to ever lace them up in Kyrie Irving. There would be points galore in this possible matchup.

If the Heat and 76ers are the wild cards of the Eastern Conference, these two are the wild cards of the West. Both teams possess the star power to put anyone on the ropes when they are clicking. Phoenix has shown that they can be lethal when they are clicking, and Dallas has two players who are simply impossible to guard at times.

Storyline-wise, the past between Durant and Irving would also turn up the intensity a bit in this series. Of course, the two were teammates with the Brooklyn Nets for a few seasons, but they were unable to get over the hump before Irving opted to request a trade. That led to Durant asking out as well, and they both landed with their teams now. They are still friends, but the past adds to the matchup.

The fifth-through-eighth seeds in the West are all separated by just three games, so it's impossible to predict how the standings will shake out here. However, a meeting between Dallas and Phoenix is on the table and it is likely one that a lot of NBA fans want to see go down. Time will tell if it unfolds that way.