NBA
Who plays tonight, May 19, in the NBA?
All the information about the upcoming games tonight in the NBA as the play-in takes off for the first time. The latest on teams and players
As the NBA regular season comes to an end, we jump right into the play-in games. With some exciting matchups, like the Lakers vs. Warriors, LeBron vs. Stephen Curry. A game worthy of NBA finals, and thanks to this new play-in format, the fans can now enjoy it in a pre-playoff game.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Memphis Grizzlies
7:30 PM ET-ESPN
The Spurs limped their way into the play-in, losing 10 of 12 games before the mini-tournament. San Antonio guard DeMar DeRozan said. "Go out there and start with one game, get another game and see what happens from there." Appealing to the spirit of this new format, to get one game at a time and make it to the playoffs.
Memphis lost their number eight seed to Golden State in the stretch of the regular season. It is the second time the Grizzlies will play the play-in. The team lost last year to the Portland Trailblazers.
Golden State Warriors at L.A. Lakers
10:00 PM ET-ESPN
The 72-year-old rivalry will add another chapter to its books. A possible MVP, Stephen Curry, will meet a getting back to form king, LeBron James. It was James himself who said that Steph Curry deserves this year's MVP. The Golden State Warrior point guard is the league's top scorer for the year and has been averaging 37 points in the last few games. LeBron is coming out of an ankle injury and looking to get in shape for the playoffs.
The loser of this match will face the ninth vs. tenth seed game-winner that will also be played tonight. It is unlikely that these two teams won't make it to the playoffs.
The team that wins tonight may become the champion at the end of the year.
New territory
The play-in seems to be a success at the moment, elevating the expectation for the games in comparison to other years. The level of play at the moment is worthy of NBA finals, and this might not be the only year the mini-tournament is played.