With the Brooklyn Nets clinching a playoff berth by defeating Cleveland in the first game of the Eastern Conference play-in tournament, their 2022 first-round pick due to the Houston Rockets will be at No. 16, 17, or 18 overall. Here’s a look at the remaining scenarios.
Since Brooklyn made the 2022 playoffs, it is now to Houston’s benefit to have No. 7 seed Minnesota advance out of the West’s play-in tournament. Because the Timberwolves (46-36) had a better regular-season record than the Nets (44-38), Minnesota will be behind Brooklyn in the order unless they somehow miss the playoffs altogether.
To make the playoffs, Minnesota simply needs to win one of two games, both at home. Their first chance is Tuesday night versus the No. 8 Los Angeles Clippers. Should the Timberwolves lose that, they would still advance if they defeat the winner of the New Orleans-San Antonio game.
