Locked On NBA – Daily Podcast On The National Basketball Association

Checking In on East & West Play-In Races

Mar 4, 2026

Western Conference play-in drama centered on Devin Booker’s return and which teams hold the edge for the 6th seed. Eastern chaos as Miami, Charlotte, Philadelphia, and Orlando jostle for positioning. Discussions preview key matchups like Thunder vs Knicks and Hornets vs Celtics and debate whether surging underdogs can upend favorites.

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INSIGHT

Phoenix Is Good But Fragile In Tight Play-In Games

Phoenix looks structurally vulnerable in high-pressure matchups despite Devin Booker returning and improving their net offensive rating when he's on the court.
Matt Moore and Wes warn Steph Curry-style superstars can undo Phoenix in tight play-in games, making them fragile against elite creators.

ADVICE

Exploit Home Court As A Seven Seed

Do prioritize winning at least one game as a seven seed because home court in the 7-8 game gives a huge advantage in the play-in format.
Haize and Wes highlight Phoenix's ability to win a single high-leverage game with Booker capable of exploding for one night.

INSIGHT

Top Talent Still Decides Play-In Outcomes

Best players tend to win in play-in and playoff win-or-go-home environments, favoring teams with top-end stars like Golden State and Phoenix.
Matt and Hayes project Golden State and Phoenix as the likeliest to emerge from the Western play-in mix.

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Western Conference Play-In drama heats up as Devin Booker returns to lift the Phoenix Suns. Wes Goldberg, Matt Moore, and Haize break down the latest NBA playoff picture, spotlighting the battles for the 6th seed and which teams—Suns, Warriors, Clippers, or Lakers—hold the edge. Key discussions explore injury impacts, Booker’s quiet dominance, and whether Kawhi Leonard can push the Clippers past Golden State.

Eastern Conference chaos erupts as the Miami Heat, Charlotte Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers, and Orlando Magic vie for playoff positioning. Surging Charlotte, led by LaMelo Ball, looks to shake up expectations, while the Heat and Sixers try to avoid the Play-In gauntlet. Plus, previewed showdowns between the Oklahoma City Thunder and New York Knicks and Charlotte Hornets vs. Boston Celtics raise questions: can upstart teams pull off upsets, and which stars will define the postseason race?

00:00 – Intro & Western Play-In Race
10:11 – Eastern Play-In & Hornets’ Surge
22:15 – Key Matchups & Game Previews

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