The NBA playoffs are right here. Let’s take a more in-depth have a look at the 16 groups that also have an opportunity to win the 2024 title.
Within the Japanese Convention bracket, the Boston Celtics ran away with the highest total seed, however that did not imply this race lacked drama down the stretch. The New York Knicks wanted additional time on the ultimate day of the common season to safe the No. 2 seed, finishing a remaining month of reshuffling under the Celtics within the standings.
The Western Convention postseason image is stacked with superstars. It is led on the prime by the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, whose huge rebuild is much forward of schedule. The No. 3-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves, in the meantime, lastly discovered their middle partnership and have a face-of-the-league-caliber participant in guard Anthony Edwards. Each contenders will attempt to cease the defending champion Denver Nuggets, led by two-time MVP Nikola Jokic.
And the play-in races in each conferences got here all the way down to the wire, because the Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans and Miami Warmth made it out of the event with the ultimate playoff spots.
Who will get to the convention semifinals? Which contenders needs to be fearful? Our NBA insiders break down the mighty, the middling and each staff in between forward of the primary spherical.
Word: NBA title and first-round odds for 2024 offered by ESPN BET.
Leap to a staff:
BOS | CLE | DAL | DEN
IND | LAC | LAL | MIA
MIL | MIN | NO | NY
OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
Boston’s highway to the postseason
The Celtics have been atop the league standings nearly all season. They be part of the Thunder as the one groups within the prime 5 in each offensive and defensive ranking, and Boston’s offseason trades for Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Vacation have labored out in addition to the Celtics may have hoped. With the remainder of the East slumping behind them, the Celtics have been in cruise management for 2 months, capable of handle accidents whereas rolling to the NBA’s greatest report.
Greatest concern
Crunch-time points within the playoffs have plagued Boston for years, and they’re why the Celtics acquired Porzingis within the deal that despatched guard Marcus Good to the Memphis Grizzlies. Jayson Tatum has persistently struggled in late-game conditions, together with going 1-for-7 on tying or go-ahead photographs inside the ultimate 10 seconds of video games this season, and the hope is that Porzingis’ capacity to benefit from mismatches will give the Celtics a special look in these moments within the playoffs. Boston has struggled prior to now when groups have switched and compelled it into isolation conditions late in video games.
One postseason prediction
The world will get to know Sam Hauser. A lot has been product of Boston’s lack of depth this season, however that is partly as a result of Hauser, one of many league’s greatest 3-point shooters, has been fully neglected. The 26-year-old shot 42.4% from 3-point vary on 5.9 makes an attempt per recreation this season as coach Joe Mazzulla’s most well-liked seventh man after the 5 starters and prime reserve Al Horford. If the Celtics have the type of playoff run they’re anticipating, Hauser will play an enormous half in it and certain may have a number of large taking pictures performances.
— Tim Bontemps
New York’s highway to the postseason
The Knicks have returned to the postseason with three issues: a bodily, tough-as-nails protection, one of the best rebounding membership within the NBA and stellar performances all season from Jalen Brunson, who’s performed the a part of celebrity for this short-handed membership. New York has proven glimpses of being the East’s prime contender outdoors of Boston — significantly throughout a nine-game win streak in January after buying ahead OG Anunoby.
Greatest concern
Julius Randle put up brutal effectivity numbers in his two playoff appearances, however lacking the previous All-NBA ahead for the rest of the season is brutal for a membership that regarded poised for a deep run. Now Brunson, regardless of carrying the Knicks offense all season, will take that burden into the postseason as defenses game-plan for the breakout star guard. It actually helps that New York is accustomed to taking part in with out Randle. (The Knicks additionally lacked Mitchell Robinson and Anunoby, every of whom are again after lengthy harm absences.) However the different key query is whether or not the staff, short-handed for months, can attain the next stage of play after grinding by the common season to safe the No. 2 seed.
One postseason prediction
Wing Josh Hart, who suits coach Tom Thibodeau’s recreation plan completely and sees large minutes because of this, reels off a number of triple-doubles through the Knicks’ first-round sequence. After logging zero triple-doubles over the primary 418 video games of his regular-season profession, Hart had six of them over a 24-game span in late January to late March. With Thibodeau prone to tighten the rotation, do not be stunned if Hart advantages statistically.
— Chris Herring
Milwaukee’s highway to the postseason
What a wild season for the Bucks. It started with a blockbuster commerce for All-NBA guard Damian Lillard days earlier than coaching camp and an extension for Giannis Antetokounmpo earlier than the beginning of the season. First-year coach Adrian Griffin began 30-13 however was dismissed midseason as a result of the staff nonetheless believed it may attain the next ceiling. Doc Rivers took over and the outcomes have been inconsistent — the Bucks are 17-19 since Rivers’ debut Jan. 29.
Greatest concern
The well being of Antetokounmpo. Milwaukee is hopeful Antetokounmpo will have the ability to recuperate in time for the primary spherical after straining his left calf through the remaining week of the common season. Antetokounmpo missed the ultimate three video games to obtain remedy and relaxation with hopes he could be near one hundred pc by the beginning of the playoffs. Antetokounmpo acquired injured within the playoffs final season and the Bucks had been upset within the first spherical by the Warmth. Seeking to keep away from one other letdown, the Bucks will rely much more on Lillard if their two-time MVP is sidelined or restricted.
What to look at within the first spherical
The Bucks transition protection vs. the Pacers. Indiana gained 4 of its 5 conferences with Milwaukee this season partly as a result of the Pacers persistently used their pace as a bonus to attain on the Bucks in transition. It was one of many first issues Rivers tried to scrub up upon his arrival to Milwaukee. Whereas the Bucks have made enhancements in that space, their concentrate on Tyrese Haliburton shall be key. On the flip facet, Antetokounmpo is likely to be an element when returning to this sequence: He averaged 42.2 factors and 13.0 rebounds in 5 video games vs. Indy this season.
One postseason prediction
The Bucks will show to be the hardest problem for the Celtics within the East bracket. Milwaukee has been as inconsistent as any of the challengers behind Boston, however the Bucks additionally possess essentially the most star energy. Antetokounmpo and Lillard have proven flashes of an unstoppable two-man recreation, and when Khris Middleton has shared the ground with the duo, the Bucks have the most effective web scores within the NBA.
— Jamal Collier
Cleveland’s highway to the postseason
The Cavaliers have two robust inside defenders in Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley and a harmful offense constructed round an All-Star backcourt of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. However these 4 gamers have missed a mixed 87 video games this season, capping them as a stable protection (115.0 factors allowed per 100 possessions, No. 7 within the NBA) and a mean offense (117.5 factors scored, No. 17).
Greatest concern
Well being is Cleveland’s prime query going into playoffs, significantly concerning Mitchell. Every of the opposite starters has performed no less than seven straight video games and appears to be constructing towards playoff kind. Mitchell, nonetheless, has missed 15 of his previous 21 video games due to harm and is managing a left knee difficulty. Even when he has performed, he has averages of simply 14.3 factors on 33.3% taking pictures throughout these six video games. If Mitchell cannot present his full offensive affect, the Cavaliers shall be hard-pressed to advance past the primary spherical.
What to look at within the first spherical
Mitchell vs. the Magic protection, led on the perimeter by Jalen Suggs. These two groups have break up their four-game sequence through the common season, and Mitchell was the important thing to each end result. Within the Cavaliers’ two wins, Mitchell averaged 30.0 factors on 48.8% taking pictures (44.4% from 3) with 9.5 assists and 5.0 rebounds. Within the Magic’s two wins, Mitchell sat out one recreation completely and was held to 22 factors on 6-of-18 taking pictures with 3 assists within the different. On this sequence, the Cavaliers will doubtless go so far as Mitchell can take them.
One postseason prediction
The Cavs will take down the Magic in six video games or fewer. The Magic had a wonderful season behind robust protection and counting on Paolo Banchero to offer the offense. Within the playoffs, although, the Cavaliers have extra scoring from the perimeter along with their defensive large males. I believe Mitchell will show wholesome sufficient to play at his All-Star stage, and he and Garland shall be an excessive amount of for the Magic to beat.
— André Snellings
Orlando’s highway to the postseason
Orlando has a tenacious, top-three protection, led by Jalen Suggs and Jonathan Isaac, that turns over opponents on the highest charge within the league. Offensively, the Magic get to the road extra ceaselessly than any membership and have gained shut contests at one of many highest clips within the NBA. In budding 21-year-old celebrity Paolo Banchero and 22-year-old wing Franz Wagner, this needs to be only the start of a perennial playoff run for Orlando, which hasn’t made it previous the primary spherical since 2010.
Greatest concern
For a way gifted and expert the Magic are defensively, the membership’s offense ranked simply twenty second in effectivity this season. The shortage of spacing and 3-point taking pictures, particularly, have been regarding. Orlando is twenty second in 3-point share and twenty third in 3-point makes an attempt charge. If there is a brilliant facet, the Magic are 13-12 this season when making fewer than 10 triples.
What to look at within the first spherical
Banchero’s offensive possessions in opposition to Evan Mobley shall be fascinating to look at and will go a great distance in deciding who wins the sequence. Banchero quickly developed this season as a scorer and passer and proved he has the potential to turn into an offensive celebrity. He’ll should be nice for Orlando to keep away from scoring lulls. Mobley, in the meantime, seems to be on his option to Defensive Participant of the Yr rivalry within the coming seasons.
One postseason prediction
Win or lose within the first spherical, Banchero shall be a family identify by the tip of the Magic’s postseason behind a number of 30-point efforts. And Orlando’s run ought to present extra nationwide publicity — the Magic’s recreation in opposition to Oklahoma Metropolis in February marked the primary time that Orlando had a regular-season dwelling recreation on ESPN or TNT since 2013.
— Herring
Indiana’s highway to the postseason
The Pacers have one of many highest-octane offenses within the league. Behind NBA assists champion Tyrese Haliburton (10.9 per recreation), they lead the league in scoring at 123.3 factors per recreation, and are second to solely the Celtics in offensive ranking. Indiana’s protection, twenty fourth within the league, lags behind however has improved through the season, significantly after trades that introduced in All-Star Pascal Siakam and despatched out Buddy Hield.
Greatest concern
Haliburton’s well being. Earlier than a hamstring harm stored him out for 10 video games in January, Haliburton was one of the explosive offensive producers within the NBA. In 32 video games, he averaged 24.2 factors (49.6 subject aim share, 40.4 3-point share), 12.7 assists and three.5 3s in 34.1 minutes. Within the 34 video games since coming back from harm, Haliburton’s manufacturing has dropped to 16.3 factors (44.6 subject aim share, 32.4 3-point share), 9.3 assists and a couple of.3 3-pointers in 30.7 minutes. Haliburton, who has mentioned the league’s new 65-game rule performed an element in probably returning too quickly, must be at his greatest for Indy to make a playoff run.
What to look at within the first spherical
The purpose guard battle between Haliburton and Lillard. The well being of Antetokounmpo is the elephant within the room, but when he’s absent or restricted, Lillard may very well be arrange for a traditional Dame Time sequence. Haliburton and Lillard each have All-NBA shooter-scorer-playmaker upside and the potential is there for a traditional confrontation.
One postseason prediction
Indy takes Milwaukee to a seventh recreation. The Pacers beat the Bucks in 4 of 5 regular-season video games, and people had been with a wholesome Antetokounmpo on the courtroom. The Pacers’ pace and 3-point-heavy offense has been an excessive amount of for the Bucks to deal with this season, and with the query marks surrounding Giannis’ calf harm, I see the Pacers profitable a number of video games with a professional probability to advance.
— Snellings
Philadelphia’s highway to the postseason
The 76ers by no means anticipated to be within the play-in event combine, however additionally they did not count on to be with out the league’s reigning Most Worthwhile Participant for greater than two months. Joel Embiid missed eight weeks after present process a process on the lateral meniscus in his left knee in February, and because of this, the 76ers discovered themselves dashing to reintegrate Embiid into the lineup over the ultimate two weeks. Philly is 31-8 with Embiid within the lineup and 15-27 when he’s out this season.
Greatest concern
This needs to be two separate, however associated, points: Embiid’s well being and Philadelphia’s place within the standings. If Embiid is wholesome and taking part in wherever close to the extent he was over the primary half of the season, when he was on tempo to turn into the second participant in NBA historical past, alongside Wilt Chamberlain, to common extra factors than minutes performed, the 76ers have an opportunity to beat anybody. However his unsure state of affairs getting back from his knee process coupled with Philadelphia now having to go on the highway in each sequence severely diminishes this staff’s probabilities of making the playoff run it hoped for when the season started.
What to look at within the first spherical
After surviving a battle with the Warmth Wednesday for the seventh seed within the East playoffs, Philadelphia finds itself matched up with the Knicks within the first spherical and has prevented Boston till probably the convention finals. New York will play with the identical type of rugged, bodily fashion Miami delivered to the play-in. The keys to the sequence will doubtless be how a lot Joel Embiid can set up issues inside for the 76ers, and who will win the battle of All-Star level guards between the 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey and Knicks’ talisman Jalen Brunson. However after seeing their playoff lives flash earlier than their eyes at instances Wednesday, New York enters the sequence with a brand new lease on life.
One postseason prediction
Embiid shakes the prior criticisms of his postseason play. For a wide range of causes, together with well being, Embiid has by no means been capable of replicate his regular-season success within the playoffs, and Philadelphia has but to advance previous the convention semifinals with him on the roster. However whereas Embiid’s meniscus harm stored him out of the lineup for 2 months this season, it additionally offered him some relaxation going into the postseason.
— Bontemps
2:09
Herro, Jaquez gas Warmth previous Bulls, arrange Celtics rematch
Tyler Herro’s close to triple-double and Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s 21 factors energy the Warmth to a blowout win over the Bulls.
Miami’s highway to the postseason
Improbably, the Warmth’s 46 wins had been their second most in a season since 2015-16 — with the caveat that the 2019-20 Finals staff had a greater win share in a marketing campaign shortened by COVID-19. As typical, Miami picked it up this season after the All-Star break, going 16-11 with a plus-133 level differential. But April losses to the 76ers and Pacers doomed the Warmth to a different play-in look, this time beginning on the highway in opposition to Philly. Miami gained its second play-in recreation to succeed in a playoff rematch with Boston, however the staff will doubtless be with out star Jimmy Butler, who injured his knee Tuesday in opposition to the 76ers.
Greatest concern
Can the Warmth rating sufficient? Miami ranked twenty first in offensive ranking, forward of solely Orlando amongst postseason groups. Miami’s offense improved to 18th leaguewide after the All-Star break, however the Warmth persistently struggled to attain in losses. And in contrast to a yr in the past, when Miami went from twenty fifth in offensive ranking to the Finals, this play-in journey cannot be blamed on unexpectedly poor 3-point taking pictures: The Warmth rank thirteenth in 3-point share after ending twenty seventh in 2022-23.
One postseason prediction
Regardless of coming off the bench for only one recreation prior to now 5 years — his debut in Miami after being acquired from the Hornets in January — Rozier returns from harm to make an affect as a key reserve in some unspecified time in the future this postseason as coach Erik Spoelstra tries to match up with greater opponents and prioritize Tyler Herro as a backcourt starter.
— Kevin Pelton
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Oklahoma Metropolis’s highway to the postseason
The Thunder made a double-digit leap in wins for the second straight season, going from hoping for the No. 1 draft choose to claiming the West’s No. 1 seed in two years. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, 25, has emerged as an MVP candidate and is the eldest statesman in Oklahoma Metropolis’s beginning lineup. Redshirt rookie middle Chet Holmgren immediately addressed the Thunder’s wants for rim safety and perimeter taking pictures. Second-year ahead Jalen Williams rounds out a star trio that ought to maintain the Thunder in rivalry for years to return.
Greatest concern
Opposing defenses typically dare Josh Giddey to beat them, placing a wing on Holmgren and guarding Giddey with a middle who sags into the paint to clog the driving lanes for Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams. Giddey’s minutes have fluctuated, however the Thunder have caught with the 21-year-old within the beginning lineup. His 3-point taking pictures improved considerably prior to now two months (36.0% after the All-Star break) and coach Mark Daigneault has discovered inventive methods to make use of Giddey when he is not initiating the offense. Although Giddey’s match has been a focus in discussions in regards to the Thunder’s current and future, Oklahoma Metropolis’s beginning lineup scored 119.8 factors per 100 possessions.
One postseason prediction
The Thunder’s playoff inexperience will not be an issue. Oklahoma Metropolis’s whole roster has solely a mixed 108 video games of playoff expertise, nearly all of which belongs to Bismack Biyombo and Mike Muscala, midseason additions who do not play a lot. However the Thunder’s stars play with a composure that belies their youth. Among the many prime 50 clutch scorers this season, Williams had one of the best subject aim share (68.3) and Gilgeous-Alexander ranked fifth (58.1).
— Tim MacMahon
Denver’s highway to the postseason
The title protection acquired off to an 8-1 begin for MVP favourite Nikola Jokic & Co. However eight video games into the season, Jamal Murray injured a hamstring and missed 11 video games, then got here again simply to injure an ankle. Murray has additionally handled a proper knee harm that stored him out of seven video games not too long ago. Regardless of battling accidents all through the season, the Nuggets have misplaced simply six instances for the reason that All-Star break and surpassed their 53 wins from a season in the past. They’re primed for one more championship run.
Greatest concern
Identical to final yr getting into the postseason, the well being of Murray and Denver’s starters stays key. The Nuggets are even thinner on the bench after dropping Bruce Brown and Jeff Inexperienced final summer time by way of free company. Coach Michael Malone will rely closely on one of the best beginning 5 within the recreation to hold the load this postseason. Can Murray keep wholesome and shine once more within the postseason, the place he averaged 26.1 factors, 7.1 assists and 5.7 rebounds and shot 39.6% from 3 a yr in the past? And might Malone discover somebody on the bench to offer a lift, corresponding to Reggie Jackson, Christian Braun or Peyton Watson?
One postseason prediction
Jokic picks up his recreation one other notch within the postseason — his 2024 run shall be no totally different. And as soon as once more, Jokic will not be headed again dwelling to Serbia till late June as a result of Denver will turn into the primary repeat champion since Golden State in 2018.
— Ohm Youngmisuk
Minnesota’s highway to the postseason
The Wolves simply had one of the best common season within the Twin Cities in twenty years. A yr after scraping into the playoffs because the No. 8 seed by way of the play-in event, every part clicked for the Timberwolves in 2023-24. Of their second season collectively, Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Cities complemented one another within the frontcourt, Anthony Edwards continued his growth right into a star and Minnesota overcame Cities present process knee surgical procedure in March to assert the No. 3 seed within the West.
Greatest concern
Whether or not Cities is at one hundred pc. A month after knee surgical procedure, Cities returned over the ultimate weekend of the common season, taking part in a pair of video games. Predictably, Cities was rusty, scoring 21 factors on 7-of-19 taking pictures in 58 minutes. The excellent news is Cities acquired a style of recreation motion and now may have almost per week of apply earlier than the Timberwolves start the postseason subsequent weekend. The unhealthy information is a matchup in opposition to Phoenix’s small-ball lineups, which is able to take a look at Cities defensively instantly. Of the Timberwolves’ 14 wins with out Cities, simply 4 got here in opposition to the highest six groups in both convention.
What to look at within the first spherical
Edwards vs. Devin Booker in a battle of two of the NBA’s greatest scoring guards. Edwards’ struggles to attain in opposition to the Suns had been an enormous cause Phoenix swept the season sequence 3-0. Edwards totaled simply 43 factors in opposition to the Suns on 13-of-42 taking pictures — his lowest common in opposition to any West foe. Edwards has been an excellent playoff performer, averaging 31.6 factors in final yr’s first-round loss to the Nuggets, and Minnesota will want that type of manufacturing from him to beat Phoenix.
One postseason prediction
After a hard-fought first spherical sequence final yr with out the injured Jaden McDaniels and a blowout win in the one head-to-head matchup with Cities wholesome this season, the Timberwolves — who’ve gained solely two playoff sequence in franchise historical past, each of their 2004 run to the convention finals — knock the defending champion Nuggets out of the playoffs.
— Pelton
LA’s highway to the postseason
After a summer time of talks, the Clippers lastly landed James Harden hours earlier than Halloween. And for 2 months, they regarded just like the scariest staff outdoors of Boston, happening a 26-5 run through the first half of the season to take a seat atop the West standings. Then, for the next two months, the Clippers regarded disinterested and had been a .500 staff. However for the reason that finish of March, coach Ty Lue’s staff has steadily been taking part in higher, coinciding with Russell Westbrook’s return from a fractured hand.
Greatest concern
As has frequently been the case through the Kawhi Leonard-Paul George period, well being would be the distinction between a deep playoff run or one other disappointing end. Leonard was having his healthiest season since 2016-17 till this month, when he has missed the previous eight video games with irritation in his surgically repaired proper knee. As star-studded as their lineup is, the Clippers’ title hopes relaxation on the two-time Finals MVP. The Clippers are working as if Leonard will play within the first spherical in opposition to Dallas, however there was thriller surrounding LA’s greatest participant. Leonard has per week of apply to ramp up.
What to look at within the first spherical
The Clippers will attempt to beat Doncic within the playoffs for the third time after eliminating him and the Mavs within the first spherical within the 2020 and 2021 postseasons. The final time they confronted one another, the Clippers needed to erase a 3-2 deficit and win a Sport 7 at dwelling regardless of Doncic’s 46 factors, 14 assists and seven rebounds. Doncic has averaged 33.5 factors, 9.5 assists and eight.7 rebounds within the postseason in opposition to the Clippers, becoming a member of Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain and Elgin Baylor as the one gamers to common that many factors in opposition to a single playoff opponent (minimal 10 video games).
One postseason prediction
Until the Clippers can recapture the magic they’d in December and January, all indicators level to a second-round exit and a summer time of uncertainty surrounding the futures of George, Harden and Westbrook. The Clippers’ Achilles’ heel has been younger, lengthy, athletic, defensive-minded groups. LA has additionally had issues defending, particularly in transition, and might battle on the glass when Lue goes to a smaller lineup. Even once they had been at their greatest, the Clippers had hassle with the Thunder and Wolves, going a mixed 2-5 in opposition to each squads.
— Youngmisuk
Dallas’ highway to the postseason
MVP candidate Luka Doncic’s Mavericks morphed into contenders in early February, when co-star Kyrie Irving acquired wholesome and Mavs basic supervisor Nico Harrison pulled off deadline offers to accumulate energy ahead P.J. Washington and middle Daniel Gafford. The Mavs have at all times been an elite offense with Doncic and Irving on the courtroom — even final season, once they had been 5-11 as a duo — they usually’ve discovered the system for defensive excellence. Dallas has the NBA’s greatest defensive ranking (107.2 factors allowed per 100 possessions) since March 7, when coach Jason Kidd modified the beginning lineup to place Derrick Jones Jr. and Gafford alongside Doncic, Irving and Washington.
Greatest concern
If the Mavs’ revamped beginning 5 has a flaw, it is inconsistent 3-point taking pictures from the wings. Washington is taking pictures 32.0% from 3-point vary this season. Jones is taking pictures 34.3%, which is a profession greatest. Opponents will dwell with Washington and Jones getting long-range appears if they will power the ball out of the fingers of playmakers Doncic and Irving. However that always means doubling one celebrity, ensuing within the different working with a bonus. Jones and Washington are each explosive finishers who’re able to exploiting cracks in rotating defenses. Dante Exum, whom coaches take into account Dallas’ second-best on-ball defender behind Jones, is a candidate to shut video games. He’s taking pictures 49.1% on 3s, together with 8-of-12 in clutch conditions.
What to look at within the first spherical
Doncic vs. Ivica Zubac. The most important adjustment that Clippers coach Ty Lue made within the 2021 sequence in opposition to the Mavs was benching Zubac after the large man was mercilessly hunted by Doncic on focused switches. Zubac performed sparingly within the remaining 5 video games of the sequence, dropping his beginning spot for the final 4. If the Clippers determine they cannot play their conventional middle with Doncic on the ground, how will the Mavs counter? Dallas can play a switch-everything, small lineup with Maxi Kleber at middle. However the Mavs’ lob-catching, rim-protecting facilities have been an enormous a part of their current success. It is price noting that when the Suns made a run taking part in small on Feb. 22, Dallas coach Jason Kidd responded with a jumbo lineup that includes Kleber and Gafford that performed a key position within the Mavs’ win.
One postseason prediction
Irving may have his greatest postseason since his Cleveland days. He did not carry out as much as his celebrity requirements within the playoffs with the Celtics and Nets, averaging 21.9 factors on 43.0% taking pictures in 22 postseason video games throughout his tenures with these groups. Irving does not thoughts a reminder of that. After scoring 48 factors in an April 7 win over Ime Udoka’s Rockets, he introduced up that Udoka’s Celtics swept the Nets in Irving’s final playoff sequence. Irving is wholesome, comfortable and has lots to show in these playoffs.
— MacMahon
Phoenix’s highway to the postseason
All the Suns’ remaining 10 regular-season video games had been in opposition to groups that made it to the postseason. Phoenix gained seven of them, together with going 2-0 in opposition to the Timberwolves, whom it’s going to face within the 3-6 matchup within the first spherical. Regardless of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal lacking a mixed 50 video games, Phoenix nonetheless completed with the No. 10 offense and No. 13 protection within the league in Frank Vogel’s first yr with the membership.
Greatest postseason concern, and easy methods to tackle it
Do the Suns have sufficient depth, or are they too top-heavy to advance? Phoenix completed final within the league in bench factors with simply 26.6 factors per recreation. Including Royce O’Neale on the commerce deadline was an try to deal with the deficiency, however there aren’t many choices past him spelling the Suns’ large three. Possibly Thaddeus Younger, with 57 playoff video games beneath his belt, can present a veteran carry because the depth rises.
What to look at within the first spherical
The Suns bigs vs. the Wolves bigs. Minnesota had one of the best defensive ranking within the league, led by Defensive Participant of the Yr favourite Rudy Gobert. However the Wolves’ measurement does not finish there. Fellow 7-footer Karl Anthony-Cities returned from a knee harm that price him 5 weeks to shut out the final two video games of the common season and 6-9 backup middle Naz Reid had a profession yr coming off the bench. Phoenix’s comparatively feeble frontcourt group of Jusuf Nurkic, Drew Eubanks and Bol Bol shall be at a drawback. The Suns have proven some battle on the boards, nonetheless, ending with a greater contested rebound charge (30%) than the Wolves (29.8%).
One postseason prediction
Devin Booker outscores Anthony Edwards within the first spherical. As particular of a scorer as Booker has been in his profession, averaging 24.3 factors in 9 seasons within the common season, he has been much more spectacular within the playoffs. He has put up 28 factors per recreation in 43 profession postseason outings, together with a 33.7-point common final spring. Edwards is likely to be prepared for a good greater star flip with a playoff outburst, however Booker shines his brightest this time of yr.
— Dave McMenamin
New Orleans’ highway to the postseason Greatest concern — Lopez Los Angeles’ highway to the postseason Greatest concern One postseason prediction — McMenamin
It was an up-and-down season for the Pelicans. After a 4-6 begin, the Pelicans bounced again and made it to the semifinals of the inaugural in-season event, the place they had been embarrassed by the Lakers. From there, issues picked up. The Pelicans constructed themselves as much as a attainable No. 4 seed within the West earlier than a late slide with out Brandon Ingram. Zion Williamson (22.9 factors, 5.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists per recreation) got here on robust late with profession highs in whole steals and blocks to hold the Pelicans down the stretch, however a hamstring harm suffered within the play-in may power him out of your complete first spherical.
The Pelicans have struggled in clutch video games this season. They’re 13-15 in such video games — outlined because the rating inside 5 factors within the final 5 minutes or additional time — No. 21 within the league. New Orleans’ web ranking in clutch video games (minus-12.8) ranks No. 25. The Pelicans additionally blew 14 double-digit leads this season, tied for the third most within the league.
The Lakers gained 11 of their remaining 14 video games to safe the No. 8 slot within the play-in event. If L.A. hadn’t misplaced 10 of 13 video games instantly after profitable the primary in-season event, maybe the ultimate push would not have been essential. The franchise must determine within the offseason if it did not dwell as much as its potential due to teaching, accidents, roster building or some mixture of the three.
Can they beat Denver? Courting to January 2023 and together with the sweep within the Western Convention finals, the Nuggets have overwhelmed the Lakers eight straight instances. If the Lakers make it out of the 7/8 play-in recreation in opposition to New Orleans, the defending champs shall be ready within the first spherical because the No. 2 seed. The final two instances they performed, the Lakers had a three-point lead with 4:52 to go and misplaced by 10 and had been tied with 3:44 remaining and misplaced by eight.
The Lakers shall be in a 2-2 sequence in opposition to the Nuggets earlier than the champs clamp down and win it in six video games, which is able to make the offseason questions swirl at a good dizzier charge. Among the many most vital: Does this group have an opportunity subsequent yr if it stays collectively?
