The NBA In-Season Tournament has been a thrilling event, and the anticipation is building for the semifinals. The New Orleans Pelicans and Indiana Pacers have already secured their spots by defeating the Sacramento Kings and Boston Celtics, respectively.

In the quarterfinals, the Pelicans showcased their strength by rallying from an early deficit to eliminate the Kings with a 127-117 victory. Brandon Ingram led the charge with 30 points, while CJ McCollum added 17 points. This win marked the Pelicans' seventh straight cover in the underdog role, showing their resilience and ability to exceed expectations. New Orleans has won three of its last four games and has covered the spread in nine of its past 12 contests.

The Pacers, on the other hand, surprised everyone by defeating the Celtics with a 122-112 win. Tyrese Haliburton put up an impressive triple-double performance, scoring 26 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing out 13 assists. Despite missing Haliburton, the Pacers have shown their ability to perform at a high level, winning five of the six games he has been absent from.

In the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Lakers are facing some injury concerns heading into their matchup against the Pelicans. Both LeBron James and Anthony Davis are dealing with injuries, with James nursing a calf injury and Davis coping with groin and hip issues. Although they are expected to start, their injuries could potentially hinder their performance. However, the Lakers' victory over the Phoenix Suns in the quarterfinals showcased James' resilience and leadership. He led the Lakers with 31 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds, proving that age is just a number.

The Lakers have a history of success against the Pelicans, winning three of four matchups last season. In their last meeting in New Orleans, the Lakers secured a 123-108 victory without James in the lineup, as Davis dominated with 35 points against his former team.

The Milwaukee Bucks, who have been on a hot streak lately, are set to face the Pacers in the semifinals. The Bucks dominated the New York Knicks in the quarterfinals with a resounding 146-122 victory. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the charge with 35 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds, while Damian Lillard added 28 points. The Bucks showcased their offensive prowess, shooting an incredible 60.5 percent from beyond the arc and 60.4 percent overall.

In their lone meeting this season, the Pacers fell victim to the Celtics' dominance, losing 155-104. However, the Pacers have shown resilience and adaptability, winning five games without Haliburton. The Celtics, while riding a three-game winning streak, have struggled to cover the spread as road favorites away from TD Garden.

The New York Knicks, known for their defensive prowess, are facing the formidable Bucks in the other semifinal matchup. While the Bucks have offensive firepower with Antetokounmpo and Lillard, their defense has been lackluster, ranking 21st in the NBA in schedule-adjusted defensive efficiency. The Knicks, on the other hand, have shown consistency on both ends of the court, making them a more well-rounded team.

Overall, the NBA In-Season Tournament has provided thrilling matchups and unexpected outcomes. The semifinals promise to be exciting, with the Pelicans, Pacers, Bucks, and Knicks vying for a spot in the championship game. The level of competition and the potential for upsets make this tournament a must-watch for basketball fans.