The NBA exhibition season has concluded, shifting the focus to the post-season action as the play-ins begin tonight. Canadian basketball fans have plenty to watch as four Canadians participate in the play-in games.
The play-ins determine the final seeding for the playoffs, with teams ranked seventh through 10th battling for the last two spots in each conference. The matchups kick off tonight with games between Miami and Charlotte, and Portland against Phoenix.
Two notable Canadian players, Dillon Brooks and Shaedon Sharpe, will face off in the Phoenix vs. Portland game. Other Canadians in the play-ins include Andrew Wiggins for the Miami Heat and Bennedict Mathurin for the LA Clippers.
In another exciting playoff matchup, the Toronto Raptors, led by Brandon Ingram and RJ Barrett, will face the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Raptors secured their first playoff berth in four years and will look to make an impact against the Cavaliers, whom they have had a winning record against this season.
Meanwhile, the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, led by Canadian star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, are aiming to repeat their success. Gilgeous-Alexander, a top MVP contender, will lead the Thunder in their quest for another championship, starting with a game against the eighth seed in the West.
Other Canadian players to watch include Lu Dort with the Thunder, Jamal Murray with the Denver Nuggets, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker with the Atlanta Hawks, who are all poised to make significant contributions in the playoffs.
As the NBA post-season heats up, Canadian basketball fans have a lot to look forward to as their favorite players compete for glory on the court.