Memphis Grizzlies @ Portland Trailblazers

Oklahoma City Thunder @ Denver Nuggets

The Western Conference Play-Ins

The stage is set for an almighty shoot out in the West. The names and GMs are immense and the need for careful planning imperative. Some might be wondering how these teams ended up here, such is the difficulty of the current NSL. A fierce Western conference sees four heavy hitters battle in the play-in. Star power unlocked - the Western Conference Play-In Tournament is sure to excite. 

Injury Update

Memphis @ Portland

Memphis will be without their guard threat, Terry Rozier. A huge out for a team needing all the cards to fall their way. Scary Terry will be out – the only out – the silver lining. 

Portland will be without Charles Bassey. The serviceable young big will no be a monumental out for the experienced outfit. 

OKC @ Denver

Denver will be without Jalen Johnson which will not be too imperative for their aspirations. He will sit in the Play-in but will be back. The young forward has been a huge player for them, accompanying the likes of Sabonis, and KPJ. 

OKC will front up with Trae Young returning. A significant in for the team. Onyeka Okongwu will be absent. A big out from his huge numbers. Okongwu has been a defensive juggernaut, and his omission is a massive deficit for the Thunder. 

Analysis

Memphis v Portland

Two teams who at the start of the season had due aspirations toward the playoffs and higher seeding, now find themselves in the play-in. GM JMac has shuffled the pack in Portland and the new era has begun. As they reduce their calibre of players, they have upped their stock of picks. Even though this reduction has occurred, the Blazers are still a problematic team. White, Bogdanovic and Anunoby are now the leading force in the team, and GM JMac has been able to acquire players to annoy his opponents and cause some heavy hitters problems. While in Memphis, they will be wondering how it all fell to this. The 10^th seed in the West, with one of the most on-paper fearsome trios in Bam, Brown, and JJJ. GM Rootsey has been vocal about the under performance and I expect them to be able to bounce back with gun blazing here. With Rozier the only omission in the lineup, the Grizzlies should be able to put the pressure on the Blazers. Memphis will be hoping so, with one of the most audacious salaries of 205.7 million. 

In play-in is all about the comparison between Derrick White, Bogdanovic, and OG Anunoby versus Bam Adebayo, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Jaylen Brown showcases a fascinating mix of skills and abilities. White's versatility as a guard, highlighted by his defensive prowess and playmaking ability, contrasts with Jaylen Brown's explosive scoring and defensive tenacity. Bogdanovic's sharpshooting from beyond the arc mirrors Jaren Jackson Jr.'s ability to stretch the floor as a big man, providing crucial spacing for their teams. OG Anunoby and Bam Adebayo stand out for their defensive impact, with Anunoby's perimeter versatility complementing Adebayo's dominance in the paint. Both sets of players offer a diverse range of skills, with each player bringing something unique to their team's strategy and playstyle in the NSL. Ultimately, the Memphis Grizzlies with Herro in addition should be able to find the edge. 

Memphis win 

OKC v Denver

In the NSL, two teams that had high hopes of securing playoff berths and potentially higher seeding now find themselves battling it out in the play-in tournament. The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by GM James, have undergone significant roster changes retaining high-caliber players. Despite this shift, they remain a formidable opponent, boasting a lineup one of the best doulble headers – Young and Edwards. GM James has strategically developed players known for their disruptive playstyle, aiming to unsettle opponents and create problems for even the league's heavy hitters – namedly Hunter, Bagley, Carusco and Okongwu (sadly injured). 

On the other hand, the Denver Nuggets, managed by GM Digeze, are facing a similar predicament. Despite having a star-studded lineup of Sabonis, Thompson, MPJ and their alpha Donovan Mitchell. No Jalen Johnson will hurt. GM Digeze has publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the team's underperformance and is expected to rally his squad to bounce back with full force. The Grizzlies have the firepower to apply significant pressure on their opponents, and have seen a shift post-Curry.

In their upcoming matchup, both teams will be looking to prove themselves and secure a spot in the playoffs. Oklahoma City's disruptive tactics and strategic acquisitions could pose challenges for Denver, but the Nuggets' star power has the talent and potential to overcome any obstacle. It's a showdown that promises intensity and high stakes as both teams vie for postseason glory in the NSL.

Trae Young and Anthony Edwards versus Domantas Sabonis, Michael Porter Jr., Klay Thompson, and Donovan Mitchell presents an intriguing blend of talents. Trae Young's exceptional ball-handling skills and deep shooting range contrast with Donovan Mitchell's explosive scoring ability and defensive intensity. Anthony Edwards' athleticism and scoring prowess offer a dynamic presence similar to Klay Thompson's sharpshooting and defensive acumen. Meanwhile, Domantas Sabonis provides a dominant inside presence with his rebounding and playmaking abilities, which are echoed in Michael Porter Jr.'s versatility as a scorer and rebounder. Each player brings a unique set of skills to their respective teams, from Young's playmaking to Sabonis' inside presence, making the comparison a compelling exploration of diverse talents. You look at this on paper and see the edge towards Denver. Especially if the Donovan Mitchell issue is not rectified. 

Denver win