The Ringer NBA Show Optimistic Outlooks for the Play-In Teams | Real Ones
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Apr 10, 2026 Conversations center on how the Clippers will manage Kawhi's future and a looming punishment. Discussion about whether the Sixers are hamstrung by big contracts. Talk of the Suns’ ceiling and possible Devin Booker moves. Plenty on the Heat as a suitor for Giannis and the Warriors’ window and potential big-name targets. Surprising praise for Portland and Charlotte as play-in threats.
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Clippers Are The Scariest PlayIn Dark Horse
- The Los Angeles Clippers are the most dangerous potential seventh/eighth seed because Kawhi Leonard's MVP-level play transforms them into a single-elimination threat.
- Howard Beck cites Kawhi's elite season, Ty Lue's coaching, and Darius Garland's arrival as reasons the Clippers are scary despite their record.
Sixers Fall Apart Without Joel Embiid
- The Philadelphia 76ers' outlook collapses without Joel Embiid because his availability is the difference between a top-6 seed and a play-in exit.
- Howard Beck notes Embiid's recent missed games and long-term durability concerns plus heavy payroll constraints with Embiid and Paul George.
Suns Are Hemmed In With Limited Upside
- The Phoenix Suns are capped by a lack of tradable assets and a missing second star, making them perennial mid-tier rather than true contenders.
- Howard Beck highlights their stretched picks, Booker's age, cap constraints, and limited upside beyond 7–8 seed ceilings.
