15 reasons to watch the Kentucky basketball players in the NBA Playoffs

Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports /
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As usual, Kentucky basketball has taken over the NBA Playoffs, with a handful of players on teams searching for the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

With the play-in games all done, 16 teams remain in the main bracket of the NBA Playoffs. Former Kentucky basketball players are strewn throughout the Eastern and Western Conferences. Here are all of the Wildcats to follow throughout April, May, and June, plus how to follow their teams for the first round.

Atlanta Hawks:

  • None

Boston Celtics:

  • None

Brooklyn Nets:

  • None

Cleveland Cavaliers:

  • None

Denver Nuggets:

  • Jamal Murray

Golden State Warriors:

  • None

Los Angeles Clippers:

  • Brandon Boston Jr.

Los Angeles Lakers:

  • Anthony Davis
  • Jarred Vanderbilt
  • Wenyen Gabriel

Memphis Grizzlies:

  • None

Miami Heat:

  • Bam Adebayo
  • Tyler Herro

Milwaukee Bucks:

  • None

Minnesota Timberwolves:

  • Karl-Anthony Towns

New York Knicks:

  • Immanuel Quickley
  • Julius Randle

Philadelphia 76ers:

  • Tyrese Maxey

Phoenix Suns:

  • Devin Booker

Sacramento Kings:

  • De’Aaron Fox
  • Malik Monk
  • Trey Lyles

In total, that’s 15 former Kentucky Wildcats playing in the 2023 NBA Playoffs. They range from superstars in Devin Booker and Julius Randle to role players in Trey Lyles and Wenyen Gabriel.

Seven of the eight first-round matchups feature at least one Kentucky player on either side, leaving a reason to watch these games in the first round. The lone matchup that doesn’t feature a UK Wildcat is Atlanta vs. Boston.

Also impressive, of the 26 former Kentucky basketball players on active NBA rosters, over half are in the playoffs. That’s a clear testament to the skill level and work ethic of Kentucky players once they make it to the association.

As for the seven first-round games that feature Wildcats, I’ve listed reasons to watch all of them. This includes a game schedule for the first four games of each series.

Let us know who you’re favorite Wildcat is to watch in the NBA Playoffs, and let’s go Big Blue Nation!