ANALYSIS: The Wizards appear to be at the end of the line. Their impressive late-season surge predictably hit a flat spot Tuesday against the Celtics. Notoriously cantankerous star Russell Westbrook checked out early and it will come as no surprise if he gives another lackluster performance Thursday. Moreover, an ailing Bradley Beal struggled, with 22 points on 10-of-25 shooting. Conversely, the Pacers have discovered they are at their best at a torrid place and had seven players in double figures against Charlotte despite the absence of standout Caris LeVert. Domantas Sabonis should provide a serious matchup issue as the Pacers make their way into the real playoff bracket.

ANALYSIS: The Spurs stumble into this play-in game losers of four straight and 10 of 12 overall, while the youth-laden Grizzlies have surged down the stretch to wins in five of their last six. Even so, it's telling that this number has held steady at -4 since it opened despite a groundswell of public support for the Grizzlies. Perhaps the lone edge for San Antonio lies at the bench with coach Gregg Popovich, but it's a deserved distinction. He has won 33 games and reach this point with a roster that appears more suited to battle the Rockets for the NBA's worst record. Watch him find a way to take this down to the wire.

ANALYSIS: The play-in game is a reward for the Wizards' remarkable late-season turnaround, while it's an unlikely fate for the underachieving Celtics. Even so, Boston should have the edge in this one-and-done scenario. It still has an upper-echelon scoring defense at 111 points per game, while Washington remains dead last (118.5). What's more, star Bradley Beal, who has averaged 41 points in the three meetings this season, is banged up and likely won't be at 100 percent. The better defense and home-court advantage should be enough for the Celtics to momentarily salvage what has been an otherwise disappointing campaign.

ANALYSIS: The downtrodden Raptors are running on fumes, but they still have a glimmer of hope for reaching the play-in tournament, and Thursday's game against the Wizards is pretty much their last chance. They trail Washington by three games for the final spot, so a season sweep of the Wizards would help the cause. Although Washington's about-face down the stretch has been impressive, this is a letdown spot following a 135-134 loss at Milwaukee in which it squandered a nine-point lead. The absence of Kyle Lowry has created line value -- look for Fred VanVleet to step up amid the desperate stakes.

ANALYSIS: The Mavericks' best defensive effort this year came on New Year’s Day, when they defeated the Miami Heat 93-83. Former Miami Heat player Josh Richardson was a catalyst as the Mavericks limited Jimmy Butler to 0-for-6 shooting. Even with a limited rotation, look for the Mavericks to play a competitive game and threaten Miami's three-game win streak.