4 pivotal individual matchups of the NBA Play-in Tournament

CLEVELAND, OHIO – JANUARY 22: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets and Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers compete for a loose ball during the second quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 22, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio, 4 pivotal individual matchups of the NBA Play-in Tournament. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Brooklyn Nets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving vs. Darius Garland

You can almost bookmark that Nets superstar Kevin Durant will go for 30+ points in this matchup. He went for 36 (55 percent from the floor, 66.7 percent from three) in a win over the Cavaliers on Friday.

If that proves correct, young Cleveland guard Darius Garland needs to outplay his more experienced counterpart in order for the Cavs to be competitive.

Garland and Irving share many similarities. They’re both excellent ball-handlers capable of crafty finishes at the rim that belie their small stature. This, combined with an efficient outside shot, form almost flawless offensive games.

The third-year guard has never seen experienced a moment like this, meanwhile, Irving is most known for one of the most clutch shots in NBA history.

Atlanta Hawks vs. Charlotte Hornets: Trae Young vs. LaMelo Ball

This has the capacity to be the most exciting matchup of the entire Play-In Tournament. Two of the brightest young players in the league who have both become All-Stars early in their careers.

There may be a distinct height difference, but like Irving and Garland, Young and Ball share countless similarities on the court. Both are blessed with rare playmaking skills while also being capable of heating up from beyond the arc. While they both lead impressive offensive units, neither play much defense, which reflects on their teams as a whole.

With the teams having split the season series, and with the offensive nature of both, this game projects to be a close, entertaining battle that will excite fans. The Young vs. Ball point guard battle will be central to that.