The regular season is done, the play-in field is fixed, and the market has already moved from standings math to matchup pricing.
What matters first
Charlotte-Miami and Phoenix-Portland open the play-in schedule on Tuesday, while Philadelphia-Orlando and LA Clippers-Golden State follow on Wednesday.
Why this changes the betting rhythm
Once the bracket is final, the key edge shifts from broad seeding scenarios to matchup-specific injuries, travel load and rotation certainty.
Practical angle
Early numbers are useful, but the stronger entries usually come after confirmed availability and sharper late-market adjustments.