Looking at odds for play-in tournament teams to make playoffs

The NBA has a plan in place for a return and it includes a 22-team format for the playoffs. There will be a play-in tournament to decide the No. 8 seeds in each conference. As a result, nine teams will be fighting for a few spots. DraftKings Sportsbook has lines on each teams chance to reach the 2020 NBA Playoffs. Let’s take a look.

Brooklyn Nets to reach playoffs

Yes: -10000
No: +1200

Memphis Grizzlies to reach playoffs

Yes: -150
No: +112

New Orleans Pelicans to reach playoffs

Yes: +400
No: -670

Orlando Magic to reach playoffs

Yes: -10000
No: +1200

Phoenix Suns to reach playoffs

Yes: +6000
No: N/A

Portland Trail Blazers to reach playoffs

Yes: +450
No: -835

Sacramento Kings to reach playoffs

Yes: +1100
No: -10000

San Antonio Spurs to reach playoffs

Yes: +1300
No: -10000

Washington Wizards to reach playoffs

Yes: +1100
No: -10000

Now, just going over some of these lines real fast, the Blazers seem like an OK bet to make the postseason. If anything, Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum are really hungry for the postseason. They’ve both been very vocal on social media during the pandemic and seem heavily motivated to get into the playoffs. That’s sort of a hunch but the Blazers also get Jusuf Nurkic back, which is huge.

Despite being tied with both the Blazers and Pelicans, nobody is really giving the Kings a chance to make the playoffs. Would it really be that surprising if Sacramento got rest, came back re-grouped and focused, and put together a little run? Not at all. Because of the unknown of the situation, I’d say throwing some units on the Kings to surprise people isn’t a bad call.

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA) or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN) or 1-800-522-4700 (NH/CO). NH/NJ/WV/IN/PA/CO only. 21+ (18+ NH). Eligibility Restrictions Apply. See website for details.