The postseason of the NBA is almost upon us! After the celebrity-studded All-Star Weekend, teams shifted into pre-playoff mode and into high gear. Now, every win counts and every loss is a sting as the different ball clubs from the East and the West jockey for position. Only the top teams per conference will make it to the coveted playoffs, and the 1st seed spot is the most sought after. After many years, the LA Lakers will once again find themselves in the playoffs, but teams such as the Bucks, Raptors, Clippers, and Houston are still in good shape.
Scroll on to see our early playoff predictions and which teams we think will most likely make it to the post-season!
WEST
Los Angeles Lakers
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Lebron James has made good on his promise to bring the Lakers back to the spotlight. They have one of the best records in the league right now and if everyone stays healthy and free from injury, they have a clear shot at this year’s NBA Championship. If Lebron delivers, he will cement his role as one of the best players of all time.
Los Angeles Clippers
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Last year’s Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard now calls L.A. his home. With a powerful cast including the likes of Paul George, Patrick Beverley, and Lou Williams, the Clips are a playoff contender in every aspect. And if Kawhi remains to be as impactful on the court as he has been these past few games, we’re likely to see him in the Finals once again.
Houston Rockets
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The Brodie and the Beard has reunited to form a dynamic duo in Houston. James Harden and Russel Westbrook are both NBA MVPs, and together they make for an explosive offensive mixture that few teams can handle. Houston has failed to make it to the Finals in the recent years, could they make it this time?
Dallas Mavericks
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Luka Doncic has slowly become the brightest rising star in the NBA today. He has a complete game. And now partnered with Porzingis, the Mavs have a complete lineup that can duke it out with the other contenders. Despite teams like the Jazz and the Nuggets also in their way, the Mavericks have a tough road ahead before the playoffs.
EAST
Milwaukee Bucks
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Giannis Antetokounmpo is the reigning KIA NBA MVP. He’s still unstoppable on the court, and has even added a 3-pt option to his game to make him even more dangerous. The Bucks have always locked horns with teams such as the Raptors and the Celtics when it comes to playoff contention. But Giannis is determined to be crowned a champion, and he sees it happening this year.
Toronto Raptors
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The Raptors were last year’s champions. They still have a powerful roster, but lost their Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard, who moved to LA. But Kyle Lowry is still captain of that ship from the North, and they have shown grit and confidence to overcome many odds. They are still very much in the race this year.
Boston Celtics
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Jayson Tatum is showing his full-form this year. And with the recent addition of Kemba Walker at the guard position, the Celtics have a good chance to make it this year. Many say that it is a better chance than having Kyrie Irving around. Will we see a Boston-LA rivalry flare up again? Guess we will find out.
Miami Heat
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Fresh from the retirement season of Dwyane Wade, the Miami Heat has surged to the top of the ranks in the East. Led by Jimmy Butler and Goran Dragic, the team has surpassed expectations and is now a solid playoff contended. Teams like the Sixers and the Pacers are hot one their heels, but if they remain hot on the court, they will maintain their spot on the list.
Did your team make our cut? What are your own playoff predictions? Sound off in the comments below and let us know!
