<
>
EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
Get ESPN+

NBA mailbag: How important is seeding within the play-in race?

Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images

The NBA play-in tournament begins one month from Sunday, which means there isn't much time left for teams on the fringe of the playoff races to make a push.

Throughout the season, I will be answering your questions about the latest, most interesting topics in basketball. You can tweet me directly at @kpelton, tweet your questions using the hashtag #peltonmailbag, or email them to peltonmailbag@gmail.com.

This week's edition of the NBA mailbag includes:

• The importance of seeding in the play-in tournament
• The significance of role to player value from an awards perspective
• Whether picks can be too protected