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As the NBA’s 2021-22 regular season draws to a conclusion on April 10, teams near the middle of the standings are battling for postseason seeding with a special focus on the league’s play-in tournament.

Held before the first round of the 2022 NBA playoffs, the play-in tournament adds an exciting wrinkle to the end of the regular season. Teams were already less incentivized to tank games down the stretch because of the flattened lottery odds instituted in 2019. Now that the top 10 teams in the standings will finish the regular season with at least a chance to make the playoffs, more franchises will stay in the mix for longer.

The play-in tournament will be held April 12-15.

Here’s everything you need to know about the setup this season.

MORE: Current NBA standings

How the play-in race is shaping up

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Friday’s results:

Nets 118, Cavaliers 107

Hornets 133, Bulls 117

Heat 113, Hawks 109

Updated play-in standings

7. Brooklyn Nets, 43-38
8. Cleveland Cavaliers: 43-38
9. Atlanta Hawks, 42-39, 1 GB
10. Charlotte Hornets: 42-39, 1 GB

Here’s how the play-in games would look if the season ended today:

No. 8 Cavaliers at No. 7 Nets (April 12 on TNT)

No. 10 Hornets at No. 9 Hawks (April 13, 7 p.m. ET on ESPN)

The four play-in teams in the East are set, but none of the seeds are. All four teams are in action for the final time in the regular season Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET.

Pacers at Nets, 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN

Wizards at Hornets, 3:30 p.m. ET

Bucks at Cavaliers, 3:30 p.m. ET

Hawks at Rockets, 3:30 p.m. ET

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Updated play-in standings:

7. Minnesota Timberwolves: 46-35 (clinched 7-seed)
8. LA Clippers: 40-40 (clinched 8-seed)
9. New Orleans Pelicans: 36-44, 2 games ahead of 10th
10. San Antonio Spurs: 34-46, 2 GB

Here’s how the play-in games would look if the season ended today:

No. 8 Clippers at No. 7 Timberwolves (April 12 on TNT)

No. 10 Spurs at No. 9 Pelicans (April 13, 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN)

The 7-8 game is locked in. The next Pelicans win or Spurs loss will lock in the 9-10 game as well.

Saturday:

Pelicans at Grizzlies, 6 p.m. ET

Warriors at Spurs, 8:30 p.m. ET

Kings at Clippers, 9:30 p.m. ET

Sunday:

Bulls at Timberwolves, 8:30 p.m. ET

Spurs at Mavericks, 9:30 p.m. ET

Thunder at Clippers, 9:30 p.m. ET

Warriors at Pelicans, 9:30 p.m. ET

MORE: Full NBA schedule

How does the NBA play-in tournament work?

There will be six total games involving eight teams as part of the play-in tournament, split up between the two conferences.

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The teams that finish Nos. 1-6 in each conference will be guaranteed playoff spots, while team Nos. 7-10 in the standings will enter the play-in. Any team that finishes worse than No. 10 will be in the lottery.

Here’s how the games will work:

Game 1: The No. 7 team in the standings by winning percentage will host the No. 8 team, with the winner earning the No. 7 seed in the playoffs. The losing team gets another chance in Game 3.

Game 2: The No. 9 team will host the No. 10 team, with the winner moving on to Game 3. The loser is eliminated and enters the NBA draft lottery.

Game 3: The loser of the No. 7 vs. No. 8 matchup will host the winner of the No. 9 vs. No. 10 matchup, with the victor grabbing the No. 8 seed in the postseason. The loser of Game 3 also enters the lottery.

This means that the teams with the seventh-highest and eighth-highest winning percentages will have two opportunities to win one game to earn a playoff spot, while the teams with the ninth-highest and 10th-highest winning percentages need to win two straight games to advance.

What’s next after the play-in?

Once the play-in winners, seeded No. 7 and No. 8 from each conference advance, the 2022 NBA playoffs will begin on April 16. Game 1 of the NBA Finals is June 2.

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DALLAS — Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic avoided a one-game suspension when the NBA rescinded the technical foul called on him during Friday night’s blowout win over the Portland Trail Blazers.

The league office made the determination Saturday after a review of what would have been Doncic’s 16th technical foul of the season, which triggers an automatic suspension. Doncic is now eligible to play in Sunday’s regular-season finale against the San Antonio Spurs, a game that could determine whether the Mavs are the third or fourth seed in the Western Conference.

Dallas (51-30) is a half-game behind the third-place Golden State Warriors (51-29) entering Saturday night, when the Warriors play the Spurs. The Mavs own the tiebreaker.

Crew chief Tony Brothers called Doncic for the technical foul for “continuously complaining” after a no-call at the end of the first quarter Friday night. It was the second technical foul against Doncic that was rescinded by the league office this season.

“If you ask me, I think 100% it should be rescinded, because it wasn’t a tech at all,” Doncic said Friday night. “No warning, no nothing. I just asked him, ‘How is that not a call?’ Hopefully, it will be [rescinded], so I can play Sunday.”

Doncic was upset that a foul wasn’t called on his half-court heave at the end of the first quarter, when the Mavs had a 36-13 lead over the Blazers. Doncic was undercut from behind by Portland’s Elijah Hughes on the play and pleaded his case to referee Tom Washington while on his back.

After getting up, Doncic walked across the court to talk to Brothers, although Dallas forward Dorian Finney-Smith attempted to hold him back. Brothers called Doncic for a technical seconds later.

“At the end of the quarter he took a shot and he felt he got fouled,” Brothers said in a postgame pool report. “He started to complain to each of the officials. When I was walking toward the table, he was 15 feet in the backcourt still complaining so he got a technical for continuously complaining.”

Asked if profanity was used, Brothers said, “There was not.”

“I don’t know why I got a tech honestly,” said Doncic, who was also called for 17 technical fouls last season but avoided a suspension because two were rescinded. “I asked him, ‘How is that not a foul?’ and he just got me a tech. So I don’t really know how I got a tech there.”

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Spring is finally here, and after months of snow and freezing temperatures, Chicagoans are wandering outside again to experience the sunshine and fresh air. Escape the hustle and bustle of city life with a walk off the beaten path. Secluded parks and trails are located all throughout Chicago for the perfect urban oasis. Keep reading to discover the city’s best hidden parks and trails for a spring walk, or head over to a forest preserve for a weekend getaway.

1700 S. Wentworth Ave. Chicago, IL 60616

Tucked away between apartment buildings, Ping Tom Memorial Park features breathtaking views of the city skyline. The Chinatown park sits beside the south branch of the Chicago River and includes a natural area with native prairie and wetland habitat. Drawing from the surrounding neighborhood and its distinct heritage, the park, named after a prominent Chinatown civic leader, highlights Chinese design elements with a sweeping pagoda-style pavilion.

1521 S. Linn White Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

Located directly south of Adler Planetarium and east of Soldier Field, Northerly Island is often overshadowed by the significant Chicago landmarks of Museum Campus. But if you make the trek out to this secluded peninsula, you’ll be rewarded with unique eastern views of the Chicago skyline framed by prairie grassland. This urban oasis is truly a hidden gem with 150 different varieties of native plants and plenty of birdwatching opportunities. 

125 W. Fullerton Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614

Lincoln Park may be known for its expansive zoo and conservatory but venture a little further north to discover the tranquil Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool. With a gentle backdrop of a soothing waterfall, the park is designed to mimic the flow of a melted glacial river cutting through limestone rock. Walking trails provide the perfect way to meander this contemplative space.

200 W. Montrose Harbor Dr., Chicago, IL 60660

Just north of Belmont Harbor, tens of thousands of migratory birds flock to a natural area of prairie, shrubs, and woodland to rest and take shelter during the spring and fall months. Birdwatchers will find thrushes, woodpeckers, sparrows, owls, and many other species at this hideaway. A 1.5-mile walking trail loops through the sanctuary giving hikers the perfect vantage point of the city skyline and numerous types of birds.

598 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

Adjacent to Navy Pier and Ohio Street Beach, Milton Lee Olive Park offers phenomenal city views, broad grassy areas, and circular fountains. Although neighbored by famous Chicago landmarks, the park is tucked away and often overlooked.

5491 S. Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60615

Promontory Point is a man-made peninsula jutting out into Lake Michigan from Hyde Park. Encircled by a walking trail, benches, and fire pits, this secluded park gives spectacular views of downtown and Lake Michigan. Grab a spot on the limestone rocks guarding the peninsula against Lake Michigan’s waves and let your mind wander.

5801 N. Pulaski Rd., Chicago, IL 60646

At this 46-acre nature preserve, explore numerous Illinois habitats, including wetland, woodland, prairie, and savannah. Walking the trails at dusk, you may even spot a deer or two!

2700 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60608

Concealed within the Bridgeport neighborhood, Palmisano Nature Park has undergone extensive transformation. Once a coral reef, the park became a quarry and then a landfill before changing into its present-day form as a park. The park promises a pleasant spring stroll with a fishing pond, 1.7 miles of paths, and an open meadow to enjoy.

Image Credit: Uniuversity of Chicago

1400 N. Humboldt Dr., Chicago, IL 60622

In the heart of the Humboldt Park neighborhood, you’ll find a massive 200-acre park that feels like you’re entering a different world. Walking trails weave throughout several lagoons and natural areas making it easy to get lost in this whimsical park. During the summer months, you can even rent a swan-shaped paddleboat to explore one of the giant lagoons with breathtaking views of the skyline.

6300 S. Cornell Ave., Chicago, IL 60637

Located just south of the Museum of Science and Industry in Hyde Park, Garden of the Phoenix sits on Wooded Island, an escape from its surrounding urban setting. Inspired by Japanese design elements, the park was established in 1893 to symbolize the friendship between the U.S. and Japan. Cherry blossoms, a wooden bridge, and a beautiful sculpture make this scenic garden a dream-like getaway.

Featured Image Credit: Save Promontory Point

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If living in a big city has taught us anything, it’s that soaking up time spent with nature is important, especially when dealing with unpredictable Chicago weather. One way to feel closer to nature is by bringing it indoors through some awesome new plants. Not only are plants pretty to look at, but just having them around offers added health benefits like air purification, increased productivity, and reduction of stress. Whether you’re already a collector of plants or looking to get started by building your own personal nursery, be sure to check out these eight plant shops around Chicago that offer just about everything you need to know to hone in on your own green thumb. 

4601 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60630

Located on Chicago’s Northside in Albany Park, Plant Shop Chicago is truly one of a kind. Not only does this local gem offer a wider variety of plants like aloe vera and the ZZ plant, but the staff is also super knowledgeable and takes time to work with any patron, guiding them to make the best plant decision based on lifestyle, budget, and how much time they can actually put into taking care of plants. New to plant care or don’t know where to start? Check out Plant Shop’s blog before taking a trip in-store to get an idea of what kind of greenery you want to add to your collection. 

3907 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

If you’ve gotten used to the world where anything you want can be delivered to your doorstep (thanks, Amazon) look no further than Vedas Plant shop. With a huge variety and free (yes, free) delivery throughout Chicago, you can start or add to your indoor jungle from the comfort of your couch.

The customer service team at Vedas is outstanding and is ready to answer all your questions about general plant care, how to save your ailing plants, and how to be the best plant parent you can be. Along with the classic houseplants, Vedas prides itself on having a variety of unique options. I suggest taking a look at the African Milk Tree and adding that weird but beautiful plant to your greenhouse. 

858 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

I’m not sure there’s a better combination than plants and art, and The Plantier has got both within their shop located in Noble Square. What started as a self-exclaimed “obsessive” love for the two has turned into The Plantier, where you can find tons of plants to add to your collection, as well as art pieces to curate the ultimate sanctuary, free of the bustling noise of any-given Chicago neighborhood. One thing that makes this shop unique is that they offer cuttings of rare plants that customers can purchase and propagate, seeing the hard yet soothing work of plant care come to life. 

5739 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60660

Having been in Chicago for almost 40 years, Gethsemane Garden Center definitely knows a thing or two about plant care. Located just north of the Andersonville neighborhood, Gethsemane is Chicago’s largest year-round garden center. Here, you’ll find everything you need for a complete plant collection whether it’s indoor or outdoor.

The extremely knowledgeable and helpful staff are ready to talk annuals, houseplants, seeds, shrubs, and more to guide you to become a well-rounded plant owner. Gethsemane is also committed to shopping locally and supports locally run farms and greenhouses to bring you the freshest and most interesting plants you can find. 

745 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Since 2003, Sprout Home has offered a plethora of services for plant lovers of any kind. Looking to revamp your outdoor garden space? Sprout Home can help. Just want a few houseplants to give your space a more welcoming feel? The in-store and online collection is perfect. No matter what size your project is, Sprout Home has got you covered.

Additionally, if you’re looking for any floral services from an exquisite bouquet to the floral arrangements for a wedding or large event, all you have to do is walk across the street to the Sprout Home Floral shop where the experts are ready to take care of all your floral needs. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CbnaRfjrFDW/

957 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

If you’re considering turning your home into a mini-greenhouse, Plant Salon is the place for you. With a recently opened second location in Bucktown, this place has all the gorgeous greenery you can imagine. From pothos to philodendrons, you are sure to find something that inspires your inner plant-parent to curate the perfect collection of houseplants.

Along with plants, Plant Salon also offers things like candles, mugs, and skincare items that will elevate your space to the cozy, homey vibe you’ve been working on since you moved in. 

2321 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Chicago Plants, based in Wicker Park, has everything you could dream of when it comes to plant shops. Workshops to help you understand the ins-and-outs of plant care? Yup. Repotting services for when you’re too nervous you’ll tamper with the intricate root system? Yes, again.

Chicago Plants is your one-stop shop to make sure that you’re bringing the best and most attentive care to your plant children. They also offer consultations for offices, homes, restaurants, and more to spruce up your space in the best way: with plants! 

4601 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60630

While there isn’t a physical storefront for this nursery, Chica Plant Shop is an incredible option for plant lovers. Running the business out of her home, Erika essentially “fosters” her collection. Whether you’re an expert at plant care or a first-time owner, you’re sure to find that any plant from Chica Plant Shop has been properly nurtured, and will become a permanent and flourishing fixture in your indoor jungle.

If you plan on buying from Chica Plant Shop, be sure to check the site often. Her popular plants aren’t available for long and we’re calling dibs on a lemon lime prayer plant!

Featured Image Credit: Vedas Plant Shop

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What are the two iconic themes of Chicago’s dining scene? Speakeasies and pop-ups! Now, the two hot concepts are combined into one as Carnivale launches a unique pop-up speakeasy event as they transform its back alley into The Alley the speakeasy! The first event set for Wednesday, April 13 at 7:30 pm.

Guests that make their way through the secret entrance will be treated to a night to remember with live performances from world-class talent, including Sonny Luca and a number of extremely talented musicians. Guests will be treated to handcrafted cocktails in the newly transformed Prohibition-style space. To enter, those holding reservations will make their way to the back alley at the North end of the building and experience a most unique entrance.

The new Speakeasy will be extremely intimate, requiring advanced reservations. Tickets to the April 13 event are available here for $35 each, along with a two-drink minimum. Information including dates and tickets to future events at The Alley at Carnivale, are soon to be announced. 

The Alley at Carnivale will bring four extremely talented performers together for a fully-immersive evening of live entertainment. Sonny Luca, one of Chicago’s best-kept musical secrets and a rising star on the scene, will take the stage. A seasoned songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Luca has been compared to the likes of the iconic James Taylor, and will deliver a one-of-a-kind experience with atmospheric falsettos, poetry, and soul. Guests will also be delighted to enjoy the musical styling of Michael Austin, a local esteemed musician who has played with many renowned musicians including Liz Knowles of River Dance. 

The hidden space will be entirely transformed into a hue-filled, Prohibition-style Speakeasy, complete with unique touches to set the mood for the evening, including iconic photos of recognizable favorite celebrities.

Tickets to The Alley at Carnivale’s event on April 13 are available via Tock. For more information on Carnivale or to make a dining reservation, guests can visit carnivalechicago.com, call (312) 850-5005 or follow @carnivalechi on Instagram and Facebook.  

Featured Image Credit: Carnivale

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