The NBA teams with the highest risk of not performing well in the playoffs, along with forecasts for the play-in teams.

As the NCAA tournament wraps up, attention shifts to the NBA’s upcoming play-in tournament. Speculation is rife about which teams will make the cut and who among the top playoff contenders might be susceptible to an upset in the first round. Our writers offer their insights with just a week remaining in the regular season.

>>> Read More: Caitlin Clark and her Iowa team experienced defeat in the NCAA basketball final but emerged as significant winners for women’s sports.

1.What’s your take on how the play-in field in the Eastern Conference will shape up?

Dan Devine predicts that the Pacers will secure the sixth seed due to their tiebreaker advantages over the 76ers and Heat. The 76ers, bolstered by Joel Embiid’s return, are expected to finish undefeated. Meanwhile, the Heat’s chances of seventh take a hit after a loss to the Raptors, allowing Philly to host the 7-vs.-8 game.

Vincent Goodwill highlights Miami’s tendency to miss opportunities when they arise, suggesting that Philadelphia is eager to avoid facing the Celtics in the first round. With Embiid’s return, the Sixers seem poised to make significant strides, especially with winnable games against Detroit and Brooklyn approaching.

Ben Rohrbach notes that the play-in field in the Eastern Conference is likely set, with the Pacers, Sixers, Heat, Bulls, and Hawks. However, the top four contenders—Boston, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, and Miami—will find themselves on the same side of the bracket, potentially opening up opportunities for lower-seeded teams like Orlando, New York, Cleveland, and Indiana.

Jake Fischer discusses the battle between the Hawks and Bulls for the ninth seed, which could affect the Pacers, Heat, and Sixers’ positioning. Philadelphia has a favorable schedule, which may allow them to avoid the play-in altogether, especially with Joel Embiid’s impact.

2. What’s your outlook on how the play-in field in the Western Conference will unfold?

Vincent Goodwill suggests that the Lakers and Warriors seem destined to meet in the play-in tournament, with Sacramento potentially holding the key to their positioning. The final game against Portland could determine whether Sacramento secures a higher seed or faces the risk of elimination.

Jake Fischer sees the Pelicans as a wildcard, bouncing back consistently throughout the season. With crucial games against the Trail Blazers and Kings, Fischer predicts New Orleans will clinch the sixth seed, led by Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.

Dan Devine predicts that the Suns will narrowly secure the sixth seed despite a challenging schedule. This would set up a matchup between the Lakers and Warriors in the play-in tournament, a scenario that garners significant attention.

Ben Rohrbach highlights injuries affecting the Kings and predicts they will join the Lakers and Warriors in the play-in field. The Suns and Pelicans are tied in the standings, but Phoenix’s tougher remaining schedule might give them the edge. This could lead to star players like Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry facing elimination, with some potentially missing out on the playoffs.

3. Which of the top four seeds is most susceptible to being upset in the first round?

Fischer: Milwaukee’s recent decline has sparked concerns about their playoff readiness, especially evident in their struggles without Damian Lillard on the court. The pressure is mounting for the Bucks following last year’s disappointing first-round exit, and this is affecting their performance as they head into the postseason.

Rohrbach: Among the teams facing vulnerability, the Magic stand out due to their youthful roster and lack of playoff experience, particularly with their struggles in clutch situations. However, if forced to choose one top contender at risk of an early exit, it would be the Bucks, whose recent poor form is alarming. They could face a tough challenge from the healthy Sixers or Heat in the first round.

Goodwill: The Bucks’ vulnerability doesn’t stem from a specific matchup but rather from their own inconsistencies. Despite a favorable schedule, they’ve squandered multiple opportunities recently, putting their top-four seeding in jeopardy. This uncertainty is unsettling for a team with high win-now aspirations.

Devine: In terms of current form, the Bucks are the most vulnerable, having dropped several games recently and prompting a search for solutions within the team. Looking at potential playoff matchups, the Clippers also face a daunting prospect with strong opponents like Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving’s Mavericks potentially awaiting them in the first round.