NBA Playoff Preview: Ranking the 20 Teams Left

#NBA Playoff Preview: Ranking the 20 Teams Left| 来源: 网络整理| 查看: 265

What is great about the play-in/playoff format in the NBA is the fact that teams in the middle are truly fighting for their lives. They are fighting to get into a seven-game series with intense competition. In turn, it also lets some average teams into a playoff setting despite some mediocre basketball throughout the season.

The XSM Power Rankings have checked in with 17 different posts throughout this NBA season, and we have now reached the playoff stages where the top 20 teams will be ranked based on their full regular season performances. Which teams are contenders? Which teams could make a run? Which teams are just happy to be here?

CONTENDERSBoston Celtics: The C's have arguably been the top team all season and sit comfortably in the 2-seed in the Eastern Conference. They finished the season with the 2nd best offense and 2nd best defense and are undoubtedly a contender for the NBA Finals this time around. Even under a first-year head coach, the Celtics are a team with an extremely deep playoff rotation which is a rarity in today's NBA.Philadelphia 76ers: The 76ers seemed to flip a switch towards the end of the season and despite recent playoff heartbreak, have to be thinking about a championship this coming postseason. The Sixers finished with the 3rd best offense, the top 3P% and the 8th best defense to finish the year, and will face a Brooklyn team to start that they swept in the regular season.Sacramento Kings: Despite the lack of playoff success in Kings recent history, you can't count out the top offense from the season right off of the bat. However, they face a stiff test with the Warriors in Round 1, with an offense almost as powerful as their own.Denver Nuggets: Sitting at 1st place in a top-heavy Western Conference, the Nuggets thoroughly deserve their championship expectations. However, despite finishing 1st in their conference, they had a below .500 record in road games throughout the season. You have to wonder if that catches up with them come playoff time. Milwaukee Bucks: A defensive-based team, with now a top 10 3P% and an MVP candidate in Giannis is a recipe for disaster for other teams in their way. They are a contender, but this path is much more difficult than the one that they had in 2021. Cleveland Cavaliers: Something about this Cleveland team has me extremely intrigued. They have the best defense in the NBA, and play at the second slowest pace. They have a bunch of really good players, and ones with some playoff experience as well. JB Bickerstaff has done an incredible job this year, and think they hang in the "Contender" category. Golden State Warriors: Steph-Klay-Draymond...if they were anywhere else on this list other than the contender category, this article would not be accurate. Will they be able to win games on the road after an 11-30 road record in the regular season?COULD MAKE A RUNMemphis Grizzlies: This team just doesn't seem like one that can bring home a title. With injuries, off the court issues and more, this team when fully clicking is dangerous. However, we really haven't seen that enough throughout the entirety of the season. With Steven Adams being out, thats a big loss for a team that used rebound differential to their advantageNew York Knicks: The Knicks got a very interesting draw with their playoff situation. They're a good matchup for the Cavs, and are 3-1 against the Celtics on the season if they get to the second round. They are tied with the 76ers for the 3rd best ORTG, and out-rebound teams by almost five boards per game.Phoenix Suns: Can't rule out a team with CP3, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, but the moving parts haven't jelled into something that looks like a championship team as of yet. A projected long series with the Clippers awaits.HAPPY TO BE HERENew Orleans Pelicans: It's been an up-and-down year for the Pels, but still a step in the right direction. If this team can get healthy and stay healthy, they should be a top 6 team in the West next year.Oklahoma City Thunder: Another team that exceeded expectations for the the 2022-2023, the Thunder are sitting in a great spot with their rebuild strategy. They have some really good young pieces, and a plethora of future picks.Los Angeles Lakers: Even after the victory last night, I'm doubting this team making any sort of a run. They could extend their series with the Grizzlies to 6 or 7 games, but that is it.Atlanta Hawks: It was definitely surprising to see the Hawks take down Miami last night on the road in the play in, but the Celtics should have no problem with them. The Hawks may be the most average team in the NBA, and will need to find a direction for the future.Los Angeles Clippers: With a banged up Paul George, this team is going to have a tough time getting past Phoenix in the first round. The rankings have doubted them all season, and will only be successful if they are lights out from three game after game.Toronto Raptors: A rather puzzling season in Toronto for a team that has so much talent. They are the third worst team at shooting the three, just better than the 22-60 Houston Rockets and the 27-55 Charlotte Hornets.Brooklyn Nets: The Nets face the 76ers in the first round whom they were 0-4 against. They have weathered the storm post Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving exits, but is going to be a very tough battle against Philadelphia. Chicago Bulls: They will have to take down the Raptors tonight, and then the Heat in order to get to the Bucks. Good luck.Minnesota Timberwolves: The Wolves had a real chance to get matched up against the Grizzlies instead of the Nuggets, choking that one away last night. They have off the court issues, and will have a stiff task even if they beat OKC/New Orleans.Miami Heat: Their loss last night and reliance on Kyle Lowry in a play-in game against the Hawks shows exactly what you need to see. A down year for coach Spoelstra and the gang.

To check out the latest rankings in full, hit the link below.

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