The 2025 NBA season delivered one of the most exciting and unpredictable finishes in recent memory — and once again, the Play-In Tournament was right at the center of it all. What started out as a temporary fix during unusual times has now become a permanent fixture in the NBA calendar, fundamentally altering the path to the postseason.

The Play-In doesn’t just add drama. It creates opportunity. It offers new lifelines to fringe teams, disrupts the expectations of higher seeds, and throws a wildcard into what used to be a more straightforward playoff picture. This year was no exception.

NBA Play-In 2025

Now that the Play-In Tournament has wrapped up, the conversation shifts from how it works to what it did. Which teams capitalized on the format? Which contenders stumbled? And how has this high-stakes mini-tournament affected the balance of power heading into the 2025 NBA Playoffs?

Experts at 1xBet have crunched the numbers and broken down the biggest storylines emerging from this year’s Play-In. From surprise breakthroughs to postseason shakeups, here are the key insights into how this evolving format continues to change the game — literally and figuratively.

What Is the Play-In? (Just in case)

The format was first introduced in 2020 and became a permanent part of the NBA postseason in 2021. It allows teams ranked 7th through 10th in each conference to fight for the final two playoff spots.

• The 7th and 8th seeds play each other. The winner takes the 7th spot.
• The 9th and 10th seeds also play. The winner then plays the loser of the 7 vs. 8 game for the final 8th spot.

This gives the 7th and 8th seeds two chances to qualify, while the 9th and 10th seeds must win twice in a row.

Play-In 2025 Results: Who Made It Through

Eastern Conference:

• Orlando Magic secured the 7th seed after a solid and disciplined performance. Their strong team play helped them lock in a playoff spot.
• Miami Heat, despite a shaky finish to the regular season, came through in classic Heat fashion  -  beating both the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks to grab the 8th seed. This is becoming their trademark: showing up when it counts.

Western Conference:

• Golden State Warriors proved they still have the fight. Their victory over the Memphis Grizzlies earned them the 7th seed and a place in the postseason.
• Dallas Mavericks, led by Luka Dončić, fought their way through Sacramento and then Memphis to claim the 8th seed — making the Western Conference bracket even more dangerous, despite losing Kyrie Irving to the Lakers in February."

What Did the 2025 Play-In Show Us?

• Motivation until the final game. Teams stay locked in until Game 82, knowing the 10th seed can still mean a chance at the playoffs.
• A second life. Teams like Miami and Dallas proved that a couple of clutch wins can completely change the narrative of a season.
• Tension and drama. Every Play-In game carries playoff-level pressure. It's one shot  -  and everything’s on the line.

Is the Format Fair?

Some argue that a 7th-place team shouldn’t have to risk elimination in a single game, while others feel a 10th seed shouldn’t get a second chance. But one thing is certain: the Play-In keeps things exciting  -  for fans, for teams, and for the league.

What Happens Now?

The playoffs have started, and Play-In teams are already testing the top seeds. If one of them manages to make it to the second round  -  or even further  -  it won’t just be a "feel-good" story. It will be proof that the Play-In isn’t just extra games  -  it’s a real part of the competitive journey.

A format that once looked temporary is now part of the NBA’s identity.

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines' leading carrier, officially launched on March 30 its highly anticipated Clark–El Nido route, further enhancing access to one of the country’s top beach destinations.

Water Cannon Salute

Passengers on the inaugural flight were greeted with giveaways upon arrival at El Nido Airport, where CEB hosted a brief ceremony to celebrate the milestone. The event was attended by ASec Regional Director Robbie Alabado, AiSwift President Fely Salvador, Ayala Land Estates Vice President Cris Zuluaga, El Nido Acting Municapal Administrator Engr Raul Maximo and El Nido Tourism Officer Shirlette Sumayo and CEBGO President and CEO & Cebu Pacific Chief Corporate Affairs Mike Shau.

“For years, El Nido has been a dream destination, yet for many, reaching it has been a challenge. Today, that changes. With this direct flight from Clark International Airport, we are removing barriers, connecting more travelers to this breathtaking paradise, and opening up new opportunities for tourism, business, and local economic growth,” Shau said in his speech during the celebration of the inaugural flight at El Nido Airport.

With the addition of the new route and the integration of AirSWIFT flights into CEB’s network, the airline will now operate the following routes to and from El Nido:

“Cebu Pacific’s strategic expansion at Clark International Airport reinforces Clark's role as a key economic driver. Enhancing connectivity to key domestic and international destinations will not only boost tourism but will also serve as a strong magnet for high-impact investments and employment opportunities for the region. We at the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) are committed to transforming Clark into an ecosystem that fuels the nation’s progress, and this partnership with Cebu Pacific is a significant step in that direction,” said BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang.

Cake Cutting Ceremony: ASec Regional Director Robbie Alabado, AirSwift President Fely Salvador, Ayala Land Estates Vice President Cris Zuluaga, El Nido Acting Municipal Administrator Engr Raul Maximo and El Nido Tourism Officer Shirlette Sumayo and CEBGO President and CEO & Cebu Pacific Chief Corporate Affairs Mike Shau.

As part of its 29^th anniversary festivities, CEB is offering travelers the chance to book flights across its network for as low as PHP 1 one-way base fare (exclusive of fees and surcharges) until March 31, 2025.

Whether it’s diving among Coron’s historic shipwrecks, parasailing in Boracay, lounging on Cebu’s white-sand beaches, or marveling at Bohol’s iconic Chocolate Hills, CEB is opening more opportunities for every Juan to explore the Philippines with its new routes and signature seat sales.

Passengers may use their existing Travel Funds to book flights and avail themselves of other add-ons. CEB also offers other payment options, including credit or debit cards and e-wallets. 

CEB currently flies to 37 domestic and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. 

Book your seats now at www.cebupacificair.com.

Following the success of Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill Philippines at Newport World Resorts, two more Gordon Ramsay restaurant concepts are set to open in the country—this time inside the renowned township in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. The new concepts include Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips and Street Burger by Gordon Ramsay that will open its first-ever Philippine locations side by side by the middle of this year.

The announcement follows Gordon Ramsay’s landmark first visit to Manila earlier this year, signaling the continued growth of the chef’s global restaurant portfolio in Asia. The two new dining concepts will offer casual, quality-driven menus that reflect Ramsay’s signature flair, set against the backdrop of one of Cebu’s premier beach destinations.

Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips will bring its fast-casual flair and over-the-counter style restaurant serving variations of its signature take on the British classic, alongside its crave-worthy Lobster & Shrimp, Dirty Chips, and decadent handcrafted milkshakes. Right next door, Street Burger by Gordon Ramsay, is flipping the script on the classic American diner with a bold lineup including the much-hyped Idiot Burger, the G.F.C. (Gordon’s Fried Chicken) Burger, and the O.G.R. Burger, along with other fan favorites.

“Cebu is a dynamic center of tourism in the Philippines; and our township in Mactan Island is the perfect tourism hub in a prime location near the airport,” says Travellers International Hotel Group, Inc. (TIHGI) Executive Chairman Kevin L. Tan. “The Mactan Newtown is also a vibrant commercial and leisure hub. With the entry of Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips and Street Burger by Gordon Ramsay, we will introduce dynamic dining concepts that will further enhance the township’s appeal, not just for visitors, but also for the growing community who live and work there.”

The Mactan Newtown is a 30-hectare beachfront township by Megaworld that blends business, leisure, and residential living in one vibrant community. It is home to two hotels with a combined total of over 1,100 room keys, and will soon welcome the Mactan Expo, set to be Cebu’s largest stand-alone convention center. The township also features nine residential towers, eight office towers, and the Newtown School of Excellence, and soon the Mactan World Museum. 

For more information visit www.gordonramsay.com.ph and follow @gordonramsayfishandchips and @gordonramsaystreetburger on Facebook and Instagram. 

About Travellers International Hotel Group, Inc.:

Travellers International Hotel Group Inc. (TIHGI), a subsidiary of Alliance Global Group Inc. (AGI), is the owner, operator and developer of Newport World Resorts, the country’s pioneer integrated resort that operates hotels, retail, dining, leisure and entertainment attractions to complement its gaming business since 2009. In 2024, TIHGI announced its partnership with Gordon Ramsay Restaurants, a world-renowned collection of dining experiences led by Michelin-starred chef and global culinary icon Gordon Ramsay, further reinforcing the group’s dedication to innovation and excellence in the hospitality industry.

About Gordon Ramsay Restaurants

Founded in 1997, Gordon Ramsay Restaurants comprises the restaurant business of acclaimed chef, restaurateur, TV personality and author Gordon Ramsay. It is one of the largest privately-owned restaurant groups in the UK with 32 restaurants in the UK. The group has a further 92 restaurants internationally including USA, South Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, France, Dubai, Singapore and now Thailand, with further international openings planned.

To date, Gordon Ramsay holds a total of 8 Michelin stars across the restaurant group worldwide, including the flagship venue Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, which has held three Michelin stars for more than 20 years. As well as fine dining, the group has expanded to include more casual dining restaurants offering a wide variety of guest experiences around the globe.

Property giant Megaworld is further ramping up its office portfolio by investing P30-billion in the next five years to build new office buildings, as well as reinvent, reinvigorate, and reimagine its existing office developments in its various townships across the Philippines.

These new office developments will soon rise within Megaworld townships in Bulacan, Pampanga, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cebu, Davao, Metro Manila, and other new growth areas where Megaworld townships will be built. All these office developments will be LEED-registered and certified, and packed with sustainability features and several new amenities.

Enterprise One

“We are optimistic about the office sector in the Philippines, particularly as more international companies continue to come in, either to establish their presence or expand their operations here. We see a significant spike in demand for office spaces, not just among BPO companies, but even from traditional tenants as well,” says Kevin L. Tan, president and CEO, Alliance Global Group, the parent company of Megaworld.

Just this year, Megaworld opened office towers in its provincial townships covering around 60,000 square meters of gross leasable area (GLA). These include Enterprise One in Iloilo Business Park, No. 1 Upper East in The Upper East Bacolod, and Pasudeco Tower in Capital Town Pampanga.

Within the year, the company is opening another 50,000 square meters of office inventory, particularly in Bacolod, Iloilo, and Cebu. 

“The new office towers will highlight our continuing thrust towards embracing sustainability. We have been putting greater emphasis on this aspect of our business. This is part of our commitment to become more mindful about how we can help protect and preserve the environment together with our tenant partners,” says Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso, president, Megaworld.

In 2024, Megaworld announced that it aims to have 2,000,000 square meters of gross leasable office space by 2030. Currently, the company has about 1.6 million square meters of leasable office space in its portfolio, making it the biggest office developer and lessor in the Philippines.

Megaworld logo

Megaworld has maintained its leadership status in the office market in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) with close to 900,000 square meters of office space in the entire district alone.

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DISCLAIMER: This material contains certain “forward-looking statements”. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of statements that include words or phrases such as Megaworld Corporation (Megaworld) or its management “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “projects”, “foresees”, and other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements that describe Megaworld’s objectives, plans, and goals are also forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the relevant forward-looking statements. Nothing in this material is or should be relied upon as a promise or representation as to the future. The forward-looking statements included herein are made only as of the date of this material, and Megaworld undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements publicly to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. The delivery of this material shall not, under any circumstance, create any implication that the information contained or referred to in this material is accurate as of any time after the date hereof.

BAI Foundation’s first celebrity golf tournament aims to give hope for the lonely and powerless individuals in Cebu

(L-R, foreground) Lito Gruet, BAI Executive Director, Mr. Lito Barino, Chairman of  Duros Group of Copanies and Ronnie Delos Santos, President of Battle Against Ignorance (BAI) Foundation.

“We do what we do to promote awareness on the ill effects of drug use and abuse, poor parenting styles, and family dynamics on individuals.”

This was the belief that inspired Ronnie Delos Santos, President of Battle Against Ignorance (BAI) Foundation and Lito Gruet, BAI Executive Director, to hold the first-ever BAI Golf: Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament of the South, set to happen from April 4 to 5, 2025 at Liloan Golf and Leisure Estates.

BAI Golf: Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament of the South, set to happen from April 4 to 5, 2025 at Liloan Golf and Leisure Estates.

A safe space for the broken, wounded, hurting, and lonely individuals

BAI Foundation is established in 2011. A non-profit organization based in Cebu that aims to help every broken, wounded, hurting and lonely person, most especially people who are suffering from addiction and depression. Together with Safehaven Recovery Village, individuals living in vulnerable circumstances are given a new chance in life, providing them personalized treatment plans that meet their individual needs and goals.

BAI Foundation led by Ronnie Delos Santos, President of Battle Against Ignorance (BAI) Foundation and Lito Gruet, BAI Executive Director.

While the foundation has already achieved great strides, managing to help countless individuals, it has many more goals to accomplish. Lito admits, “It was frustrating in the beginning because we knew we had a very noble cause but nobody was minding us. Everyone knew about the taong grasa, the unstable individuals. Pinagtatawanan lang sila, minsan binubugbog pa because most people don’t understand why these powerless individuals are there in the first place.”

A former addict himself, Lito understands the struggles and challenges of these powerless individuals. Which is why he has built a heart and empathy to relate to the people they rescue. “I experienced life living in the streets. But by God’s grace I was able to recover, and eventually become a rehab director for 11 years, and a drug abuse resource speaker for the 25 years. This is my way of giving back.”

Golf for a meaningful cause

To this day, Ronnie and Lito remain passionate in their mission to rescue individuals, especially those living in the streets. But they understand that they cannot do it alone – they need many more to get involved to sustain the programs of BAI Foundation.

The official contract signing led by Lito Gruet, BAI Executive Director, Mr. Lito Barino, Chairman of  Duros Group of Copanies and Ronnie Delos Santos, President of Battle Against Ignorance (BAI) Foundation

“One of the best ways is to tap the celebrities because if we win their hearts, they have a tremendous following and this would translate to people just being aware of what we do. They can be a big help to the foundation,” explains Lito.

So with the power of influence, BAI Golf has invited A-list celebrities and Golf enthusiasts to participate in the meaningful event including Tonton Gutierrez with wife Glydel Mercado, Cesar Montano, Gary Estrada, Vince Hizon, and Pat Sugui, to name a few.

Apart from the celebrity participants, local government units, key stakeholders and corporations are also showing their support.

BAI Foundation Collaborators

A beautiful Cebu for everyone

This is just the beginning for BAI Foundation. The BAI Golf Tournament is just one of many projects of the foundation to ensure that Cebu City is a safe city for everyone, from the homeless to the locals and tourists.

“By organizing the BAI Golf Tournament of the South, we are creating an opportunity for the people to be curious and interested in what we do,” says Lito.

Sharing the same vision, Lito also concludes, “Our focus right now is to clean Cebu of its street dwellers, mendicants, the psychotics. We would like to help restore these individuals’ dignities. In doing so, we are also highlighting Cebu and the whole island province as a clean and beautiful destination where everyone is welcome.”

BAI Foundation Fundraising Initiatives.

Contact BAI Foundation

To know more about BAI Foundation and how you can help, visit https://www.battleagainstignorance.com/ and follow their social media accounts Facebook https://www.facebook.com/baifoundation and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bai_foundation/.