NBA 2K22: Play-In Tournament Overview

The NBA regular season has ended and post-season play begins with the Play-In Tournament. This mode is playable in NBA 2K22, and TGH breaks it down ahead of Wednesday night’s games.

NBA Play-In Tournament Overview

Beginning post-season play, the Play-In Tournament allows four teams to compete for the final playoff spots in the Eastern/Western Conferences. The 7th-10th place teams compete against each other for the 7th/8th seeds in the main NBA Playoff Bracket. Though teams surviving the early portion of postseason play give their fans hope for a second chance to win a championship, the reward of winning Play-In Tournament games is a match-up versus the 1st and 2nd seeds in each conference.

Inclusion in NBA 2K22

NBA 2K22 includes the Play-In Tournament mode, accessible through the “MyCareer” and “MyNBA” game modes. Playable like the on-court action, players have the opportunity to fight for a spot in the Eastern/Western Conference tournaments. The challenge to make the NBA Playoffs is present in NBA 2K’s version of the Play-In Tournament with the 1st/2nd seeds waiting in the wings; along with potentially the top-rated players/teams in the game . With factors such as season fatigue and injury risks, winning a championship after surviving NBA 2K22’s Play-In Tournament is minimal.

Early Play-In Tournament Results

The 2022 NBA Play-In Tournament began with the Brooklyn Nets hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers, with the Nets winning 115-108. Led by Kevin Durant (96 overall rating, 25 points/11 assists/5 rebounds) and Kyrie Irving (92 overall rating, 34 points/12 assists/3 rebounds), the Nets have clinched the 7th seed in the Eastern Conference and will take on the Boston Celtics in the 1st Round; featuring Jayson Tatum (90 overall) and Jaylen Brown (86 overall). Darius Garland (88 overall) and the Cavaliers will face the winner of Wednesday night’s game between the Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets.

In other NBA Play-In Tournament action, the Minnesota Timberwolves bested the Los Angeles Clippers 109-104. Anthony Edwards (83 overall rating) and D’Angelo Russell (81 overall rating) scored 30 and 29 points a piece; holding off a strong effort by Paul George’s 31 points (88 overall rating). Clinching the 7th seed, Ja Morant (93 overall rating) and the Memphis Grizzlies await them in the 1st round. After a rough outing (3-11 field goals/0-2 three pointers/4 turnovers) versus the Clippers, expect Karl-Anthony Towns (89 overall rating) to bounce back against the Grizzlies.

The NBA Play-In Tournament will continue over the next three days, with the first round of the NBA Playoffs set to begin on Saturday. For fans wanting to get a taste of the Play-In Tournament of their own NBA 2K provides the perfect simulation opportunity to take the court.

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Featured image courtesy of 2K Sports