The 2025 NBA playoff field is officially set after an exhilarating night of play-in games on Friday, April 18, 2025. The Memphis Grizzlies and Miami Heat secured the final two No. 8 seeds, setting the stage for an exciting postseason that kicks off on Saturday, April 19, 2025.
In the first game of the night, the Grizzlies showcased their dominance against the Dallas Mavericks, securing a 120-106 victory at the FedEx Forum. Ja Morant, who had been nursing a sprained right ankle, proved his fitness by leading the charge with 22 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds. Memphis jumped to an early lead, establishing a commanding 66-41 advantage by halftime.
Despite a strong performance from Anthony Davis, who scored 40 points and grabbed nine rebounds for Dallas, the Mavericks struggled to keep pace with the Grizzlies. Memphis's Jaren Jackson Jr. added 24 points, while Desmond Bane contributed 22 points, helping the team to maintain control throughout the game.
Memphis's fast start saw them build a 25-point lead in the first half, but the Mavericks fought back with a 27-12 run that brought them within striking distance. However, the Grizzlies responded effectively, pushing their lead back to 96-80 by the end of the third quarter and never looking back.
"We played with a lot of energy and focus tonight," Morant said after the game. "We knew how important this game was, and we executed our game plan well. Now we’re ready for the Thunder." The Grizzlies will face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round, with Game 1 scheduled for Sunday afternoon.
Meanwhile, the Miami Heat faced off against the Atlanta Hawks in a thrilling contest that required overtime to determine the winner. The Heat emerged victorious with a 123-114 scoreline, marking a historic achievement as the first No. 10 seed to advance through the play-in tournament to the playoffs.
Miami's Tyler Herro was the standout performer, finishing with 30 points. The Heat had initially led the game but found themselves trailing after the Hawks launched a 14-2 run at the start of the fourth quarter, capped by a three-pointer from Trae Young that gave Atlanta an 88-91 lead.
Despite the pressure, Miami rallied back, with Davion Mitchell hitting a crucial three-pointer to regain the lead, 99-98. The game was tied at 106 at the end of regulation, forcing overtime. In the extra period, Miami quickly took control, with Herro and Mitchell knocking down key shots from beyond the arc.
In the end, the Heat's victory secured them a matchup against the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers, with Game 1 slated for Sunday at 7 p.m. ET. "We’ve had our ups and downs this season, but this win shows our resilience," said Herro. "We’re excited to take on the Cavaliers next."
The playoff picture is now clear, with the Grizzlies and Heat both looking to make their marks in the postseason. Memphis's journey will be particularly challenging as they face the Thunder, who set a franchise record with 68 wins this season. However, the Grizzlies are not to be underestimated, having won 48 games themselves and showing they can compete at a high level.
As the playoffs approach, fans can expect thrilling matchups and intense competition. The excitement of the NBA postseason is upon us, and with teams like the Grizzlies and Heat making waves, it promises to be a memorable playoff run.
