The NBA postseason is right here. Let’s take a better take a look at the 20 groups that also have an opportunity to win the 2024 title — together with a trio of MVPs who might want to survive the play-in match to advance.
Within the Japanese Convention bracket, the Boston Celtics ran away with the highest general 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 last 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 found out their heart 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 right down to the wire, leaving Joel Embiid’s Philadelphia 76ers, LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers and Stephen Curry’s Golden State Warriors among the many eight groups attempting to advance into the primary spherical.
Who will get previous the play-in? Which contenders must be nervous? Our NBA insiders break down the mighty, the middling and each group in between forward of the brand new postseason.
Observe: NBA title, first-round and play-in odds for 2024 supplied by ESPN BET.
Soar to a group:
ATL | BOS | CHI | CLE | DAL
DEN | GS | IND | LAC | LAL
MIA | MIL | MIN | NO | NY
OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX | SAC
Boston’s street to the postseason
The Celtics have been atop the league standings just about all season. They be a part of the Thunder as the one groups within the prime 5 in each offensive and defensive score, 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, in a position to handle accidents whereas rolling to the NBA’s finest 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. Tatum has constantly struggled in late-game conditions, together with going 1-for-7 on tying or go-ahead pictures inside the ultimate 10 seconds of video games this season, and the hope is that Porzingis’ potential to benefit from mismatches will give the Celtics a unique look in these moments within the playoffs. Boston has struggled up 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 fabricated from Boston’s lack of depth this season, however that is partially as a result of Hauser, one of many league’s finest 3-point shooters, has been utterly missed. The 26-year-old shot 42.4% from 3-point vary on 5.9 makes an attempt per sport 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 sort of playoff run they’re anticipating, Hauser will play a giant half in it and certain may have a number of massive taking pictures performances.
— Tim Bontemps
New York’s street to the postseason
The Knicks have returned to the postseason with three issues: a bodily, tough-as-nails protection, the perfect rebounding membership within the NBA and stellar performances all season from Jalen Brunson, who’s performed the a part of famous person for this short-handed membership. New York has proven glimpses of being the East’s prime contender exterior of Boston — notably 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 enjoying 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 group, short-handed for months, can attain the next stage of play after grinding by means of the common season to safe the No. 2 seed.
One postseason prediction
Wing Josh Hart, who suits coach Tom Thibodeau’s sport plan completely and sees massive minutes in consequence, 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 more likely to tighten the rotation, do not be stunned if Hart advantages statistically.
— Chris Herring
Milwaukee’s street 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 group 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 get better in time for the primary spherical after straining his left calf through the last week of the common season. Antetokounmpo missed the ultimate three video games to obtain remedy and relaxation with hopes he might be near 100% by the beginning of the playoffs. Antetokounmpo received injured within the playoffs final season and the Bucks have been upset within the first spherical by the Warmth. Trying 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 partially as a result of the Pacers constantly used their velocity 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 deal with Tyrese Haliburton shall be key. On the flip facet, Antetokounmpo may 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 probably the most star energy. Antetokounmpo and Lillard have proven flashes of an unstoppable two-man sport, and when Khris Middleton has shared the ground with the duo, the Bucks have the most effective web rankings within the NBA.
— Jamal Collier
Cleveland’s street 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 strong 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, notably concerning Mitchell. Every of the opposite starters has performed at the least seven straight video games and appears to be constructing towards playoff type. Mitchell, nonetheless, has missed 15 of his previous 21 video games due to harm and is managing a left knee subject. 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 final 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 sport totally 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 massive 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 street 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 regularly than any membership and have gained shut contests at one of many highest clips within the NBA. In budding 21-year-old famous person Paolo Banchero and 22-year-old wing Franz Wagner, this must be just the start of a perennial playoff run for Orlando, which hasn’t made it previous the primary spherical since 2010.
Greatest concern
For the 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 shiny 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 towards Evan Mobley shall be fascinating to look at and will go a good 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 out to be an offensive famous person. He’ll must be nice for Orlando to keep away from scoring lulls. Mobley, in the meantime, seems to be on his strategy to Defensive Participant of the Yr competition 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 sport towards Oklahoma Metropolis in February marked the primary time that Orlando had a regular-season dwelling sport on ESPN or TNT since 2013.
— Herring
Indiana’s street to the postseason
The Pacers have one of many highest-octane offenses within the league. Behind NBA assists champion Tyrese Haliburton (10.9 per sport), they lead the league in scoring at 123.3 factors per sport, and are second to solely the Celtics in offensive score. Indiana’s protection, twenty fourth within the league, lags behind however has improved through the season, notably 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 some 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 doubtlessly returning too quickly, must be at his finest 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 could possibly be arrange for a basic Dame Time sequence. Haliburton and Lillard each have All-NBA shooter-scorer-playmaker upside and the potential is there for a basic confrontation.
One postseason prediction
Indy takes Milwaukee to a seventh sport. The Pacers beat the Bucks in 4 of 5 regular-season video games, and people have been with a wholesome Antetokounmpo on the court docket. The Pacers’ velocity 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 successful a number of video games with a authentic likelihood to advance.
— Snellings
Philadelphia’s street to the postseason
The 76ers by no means anticipated to be within the play-in match combine, however additionally they did not anticipate to be with out the league’s reigning Most Invaluable 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 in consequence, 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 must be two separate, however associated, points: Embiid’s well being and Philadelphia’s place within the standings. If Embiid is wholesome and enjoying anyplace close to the extent he was over the primary half of the season, when he was on tempo to turn out to be 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 scenario getting back from his knee process coupled with Philadelphia now having to go on the street in each sequence — assuming it will get out of the play-in — severely diminishes this group’s probabilities of making the playoff run it hoped for when the season started.
What to look at within the play-in
How does Embiid look? The reigning MVP has been dominant since his return, averaging greater than 30 factors, 9 rebounds and 5 assists throughout 5 video games. However he briefly left Friday’s win over Orlando after showing to tweak his left knee, and he did not play — as a precautionary measure, sources mentioned — in Sunday’s win over Brooklyn. For Philadelphia to conquer Miami, it may want Embiid at full power. And the stakes could not be increased: win, and Philadelphia has an actual (albeit tough) path to the East finals.
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 in a position to 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 supplied him some relaxation going into the play-in towards Miami.
— Bontemps
Miami’s street to the postseason
Improbably, the Warmth’s 46 wins have been their second most in a season since 2015-16 — with the caveat that the 2019-20 Finals group had a greater win share in a marketing campaign shortened by COVID-19. As normal, 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 street towards Philly.
Greatest concern
Can the Warmth rating sufficient? Miami ranked twenty first in offensive score, forward of solely Orlando amongst postseason groups. With the midseason addition of Terry Rozier III and Jimmy Butler rounding into type, Miami’s offense improved to 18th leaguewide after the All-Star break, however the Warmth constantly struggled to attain in losses. And in contrast to a yr in the past, when Miami went from twenty fifth in offensive score 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.
What to look at within the play-in
Butler vs. his former group. Actually Bam Adebayo’s matchup with Joel Embiid shall be essential, nevertheless it’s Butler who led Miami to a second-round win over Philadelphia two years in the past, taking revenge on the 76ers after they despatched him to the Warmth in a sign-and-trade. Butler averaged 27.5 factors on 51% taking pictures within the sequence — considered one of many who have earned him the nickname “Playoff Jimmy” — then taunted Philadelphia afterward for selecting to let him stroll.
One postseason prediction
Regardless of coming off the bench for only one sport up to now 5 years — his debut in Miami after being acquired from the Hornets in January — Rozier will 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
Chicago’s street to the postseason
The Bulls dug themselves right into a 5-14 gap to begin the season with a disastrous opening month. However they salvaged their season with a spot within the play-in match, the second consecutive season the Bulls have discovered themselves there. Chicago, which returned almost its total roster from final season, hopes its destiny is completely different from final yr, when it misplaced within the second play-in sport to the eventual East champion Warmth.
Greatest concern
The Bulls have been susceptible to wild swings from night time to nighttime this season. Contemplate this four-game stretch on the finish of March: a house loss to the Wizards, adopted by a blowout win over the Pacers, then a street loss to the Nets and capped off with an upset of the Timberwolves. “We love the drama,” DeMar DeRozan mentioned following that victory over the Wolves. “It is irritating as a result of we all know our capabilities. We all know we will beat anyone.”
What to look at within the play-in
Trae Younger vs. Alex Caruso. Younger made his return to the Hawks this previous week after lacking 23 video games with a finger harm on his left hand. The Bulls will counter him with Caruso, who has made a case for second straight All-Defensive first-team choice. Caruso leads the NBA with 3.7 deflections per sport and is considered one of two gamers this season — becoming a member of Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — with at the least 110 steals and 60 blocks. The Bulls and Hawks have been the No. 9 and 10 seeds within the East each day since Jan. 15, so the 2 have had time to sport plan this upcoming matchup.
One postseason prediction
The Bulls will win two play-in video games to succeed in a playoff assembly with the top-seeded Celtics. Chicago has proven the potential to hold with anyone this season, and though it might be an underdog irrespective of their subsequent opponent after Atlanta, the Bulls have made a behavior of pulling out unlikely wins. One main issue is DeRozan, who trails solely Warriors guard Stephen Curry for probably the most clutch factors within the NBA this season.
— Collier
Atlanta’s street to the postseason
After going 10-11 underneath new coach Quin Snyder final season, Atlanta turned a play-in berth right into a six-game defeat to the Celtics within the first spherical. A full season underneath Snyder and with Trae Younger and Dejounte Murray was presupposed to raise Atlanta out of the play-in image. As a substitute, a bottom-five protection and accidents all through the roster led to a report underneath .500 for the primary time in 4 years. The Hawks did simply sufficient to safe the ultimate spot within the East’s play-in match.
Greatest concern
That bottom-five mark of 118.4 factors allowed per 100 possessions? That quantity was right down to 114.9 for the reason that All-Star break. However all however three of these video games have been with out Younger, the offensive-minded guard who returned final week after lacking 23 video games with an injured finger. In three video games towards the Bulls this season, Atlanta allowed 118.3 factors per contest, and the 136 factors Chicago scored on Feb. 12 have been probably the most the group has scored all season. Atlanta wants the late-season protection to point out up — with Younger’s taking pictures on the opposite finish — to have an opportunity.
What to look at within the play-in
Within the Hawks’ solely win over the Bulls this season, they shot 19-for-40 from distance. Fortunately for Atlanta, Chicago allowed probably the most 3-point pictures (39.6 per sport) and second-most 3-point makes (14.6 per sport) within the NBA this season. Within the Hawks’ two losses to Chicago this season, nonetheless, they shot a mixed 27-of-88 (30.7%).
One postseason prediction
Atlanta will win the 9/10 sport for the franchise’s third straight season with a play-in victory. However the Hawks will fall of their try and make it again to the playoffs by way of the second play-in sport, ushering in an unsure offseason for the Hawks’ star backcourt.
— Andrew Lopez
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Oklahoma Metropolis’s street 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 decide 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 heart 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 preserve the Thunder in competition for years to come back.
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 up 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 concerning 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 total roster has solely a mixed 108 video games of playoff expertise, the vast majority 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 the perfect subject aim share (68.3) and Gilgeous-Alexander ranked fifth (58.1).
— Tim MacMahon
Denver’s street to the postseason
The title protection received 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 shedding Bruce Brown and Jeff Inexperienced final summer season by way of free company. Coach Michael Malone will rely closely on the perfect beginning 5 within the sport 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, resembling Reggie Jackson, Christian Braun or Peyton Watson?
One postseason prediction
Jokic picks up his sport one other notch within the postseason — his 2024 run shall be no completely 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 out to be the primary repeat champion since Golden State in 2018.
— Ohm Youngmisuk
Minnesota’s street to the postseason
The Wolves simply had the perfect common season within the Twin Cities in 20 years. A yr after scraping into the playoffs because the No. 8 seed by way of the play-in match, the whole lot 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 improvement right into a star and Minnesota overcame Cities present process knee surgical procedure in March to say the No. 3 seed within the West.
Greatest concern
Whether or not Cities is at 100%. A month after knee surgical procedure, Cities returned over the ultimate weekend of the common season, enjoying 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 received a style of sport motion and now may have almost every week of apply earlier than the Timberwolves start the postseason subsequent weekend. The dangerous information is a matchup towards Phoenix’s small-ball lineups, which is able to check Cities defensively straight away. Of the Timberwolves’ 14 wins with out Cities, simply 4 got here towards 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 finest scoring guards. Edwards’ struggles to attain towards the Suns have been a giant purpose Phoenix swept the season sequence 3-0. Edwards totaled simply 43 factors towards the Suns on 13-of-42 taking pictures — his lowest common towards any West foe. Edwards has been an impressive playoff performer, averaging 31.6 factors in final yr’s first-round loss to the Nuggets, and Minnesota will want that sort 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 Denver Nuggets out of the playoffs.
— Pelton
LA’s street to the postseason
After a summer season of talks, the Clippers lastly landed James Harden hours earlier than Halloween. And for 2 months, they regarded just like the scariest group exterior of Boston, happening a 26-5 run through the first half of the season to sit down atop the West standings. Then, for the next two months, the Clippers regarded disinterested and have been a .500 group. However for the reason that finish of March, coach Ty Lue’s group has steadily been enjoying 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 towards Dallas, however there was thriller surrounding LA’s finest participant. Leonard has every 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 towards the Clippers, becoming a member of Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain and Elgin Baylor as the one gamers to common that many factors towards a single playoff opponent (minimal 10 video games).
One postseason prediction
Except the Clippers can recapture the magic that they had in December and January, all indicators level to a second-round exit and a summer season 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 after they have been at their finest, the Clippers had hassle with the Thunder and Wolves, going a mixed 2-5 towards each squads.
— Youngmisuk
Dallas’ street to the postseason
MVP candidate Luka Doncic’s Mavericks morphed into contenders in early February, when co-star Kyrie Irving received wholesome and Mavs basic supervisor Nico Harrison pulled off deadline offers to accumulate energy ahead P.J. Washington and heart Daniel Gafford. The Mavs have all the time been an elite offense with Doncic and Irving on the court docket — even final season, after they have been 5-11 as a duo — and so they’ve discovered the method for defensive excellence. Dallas has the NBA’s finest defensive score (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 finest. Opponents will reside with Washington and Jones getting long-range seems to be if they will drive the ball out of the palms of playmakers Doncic and Irving. However that always means doubling one famous person, 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 think about 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 largest adjustment that Clippers coach Ty Lue made within the 2021 sequence towards the Mavs was benching Zubac after the massive man was mercilessly hunted by Doncic on focused switches. Zubac performed sparingly within the last 5 video games of the sequence, shedding his beginning spot for the final 4. If the Clippers determine they can not play their conventional heart with Doncic on the ground, how will the Mavs counter? Dallas can play a switch-everything, small lineup with Maxi Kleber at heart. However the Mavs’ lob-catching, rim-protecting facilities have been a giant a part of their latest success. It is price noting that when the Suns made a run enjoying small on Feb. 22, Dallas coach Jason Kidd responded with a jumbo lineup that includes Kleber and Gafford that performed a key function within the Mavs’ win.
One postseason prediction
Irving may have his finest postseason since his Cleveland days. He did not carry out as much as his famous person 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, pleased and has lots to show in these playoffs.
— MacMahon
Phoenix’s street to the postseason
All the Suns’ last 10 regular-season video games have been towards groups that made it to the postseason. Phoenix gained seven of them, together with going 2-0 towards the Timberwolves, whom it can 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 sport. 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’ massive three. Perhaps Thaddeus Younger, with 57 playoff video games underneath his belt, can present a veteran raise because the depth rises.
What to look at within the first spherical
The Suns bigs vs. the Wolves bigs. Minnesota had the perfect defensive score within the league, led by Defensive Participant of the Yr favourite Rudy Gobert. However the Wolves’ dimension does not finish there. Fellow 7-footer Karl Anthony-Cities returned from a knee harm that value him 5 weeks to shut out the final two video games of the common season and 6-9 backup heart 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 sport in 43 profession postseason outings, together with a 33.7-point common final spring. Edwards may be prepared for a fair greater star flip with a playoff outburst, however Booker shines his brightest this time of yr.
— Dave McMenamin
New Orleans’ street to the postseason
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 match, the place they have been embarrassed by the Lakers. From there, issues picked up. The Pelicans constructed themselves as much as a potential 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 sport) got here on robust late with profession highs in complete steals and blocks to hold the Pelicans down the stretch.
Greatest concern
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 score 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.
What to look at within the play-in
Zion vs. the second. How will Williamson reply after a flop on his first big-time stage? When the Pelicans made it out of the play-in match two years in the past and into the primary spherical towards the top-seeded Suns, Williamson was within the technique of lacking the season. Final season, a hamstring harm with a number of setbacks stored him from the play-in sport towards the Thunder. However since his 13-point efficiency towards the Lakers in that 133-89 IST semifinals loss, Williamson has improved. In a key win towards the Suns on April 7, Williamson had 29 factors, 10 rebounds, 7 assists and a career-high 5 blocks.
One postseason prediction
Williamson does reply from his final massive stage efficiency. He’ll have at the least one sport the place he tops his season excessive of 36 factors, because the Pelicans edge the Lakers and safe the No. 7 seed.
— Lopez
Los Angeles’ street to the postseason
The Lakers gained 11 of their last 14 video games to safe the No. 8 slot within the play-in match. If L.A. hadn’t misplaced 10 of 13 video games instantly after successful the primary in-season match, maybe the ultimate push would not have been needed. The franchise must work out within the offseason if it did not reside as much as its potential due to teaching, accidents, roster development or some mixture of the three.
Greatest concern
Can they beat Denver? Relationship 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 sport towards 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 have been tied with 3:44 remaining and misplaced by eight.
What to look at within the play-in
D’Angelo Russell vs. his playoff previous. Russell averaged simply 6.3 factors on 32.3% taking pictures within the sweep to Denver and misplaced his beginning job to Dennis Schroder by the tip of the sequence. Schroder left by way of free company and his alternative, Gabe Vincent, continues to be discovering his footing after lacking many of the season due to knee surgical procedure. So Russell should not should be wanting over his shoulder. Can he be the man that led L.A. to a 15-3 report this common season when he scored 25 or extra factors and make up for final yr’s failures?
One postseason prediction
The Lakers shall be in a 2-2 sequence towards 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 fair dizzier charge. Among the many most necessary: Does this group have an opportunity subsequent yr if it stays collectively?
— McMenamin
Sacramento’s street to the postseason
Only a few weeks in the past, the Kings have been sitting comfortably within the No. 6 seed. Then, they started to tumble. They misplaced guard Kevin Huerter to season-ending shoulder surgical procedure and Sixth Man of the Yr contender Malik Monk injured his knee late final month. Now, Sacramento finds itself dealing with Golden State within the 9/10 sport simply to remain within the postseason.
Greatest concern
Sacramento’s restricted depth shall be examined straight away. Huerter is completed for the season, and Monk will miss the play-in sport and certain any first-round sequence. Coach Mike Brown goes to rely closely on his beginning unit — led by Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox — and can want huge contributions from Keegan Murray and Davion Mitchell.
What to look at within the play-in
The important thing matchup for the Kings is between the 2 main guards: Stephen Curry and De’Aaron Fox. Curry went for 50 factors in Sport 7 of their sequence and averaged 30 factors towards them this season. In the meantime, the Kings want Fox to shoot as he did throughout their first matchup of the season, throughout which he went 5-of-9 from 3.
One postseason prediction
Kings-Warriors shall be a one-point sport, identical to the previous three matchups between these two groups. The three consecutive one-point video games Sacramento and Golden State performed this yr are tied for probably the most in NBA historical past, in keeping with ESPN Stats & Info.
— Kendra Andrews
Golden State’s street to the postseason
The Warriors gained 9 of their last 11 video games heading into the play-in, nevertheless it was a rocky journey to get the West’s No. 10 seed. Navigating Draymond Inexperienced’s suspensions and the loss of life of assistant coach Dejan Milojevic have been two unprecedented occasions, however even with out these, the Warriors have been destined to be a middle-of-the-pack group. No group within the league performed in additional clutch video games this season — outlined by the rating being inside 5 factors within the last 5 minutes or additional time — than the Warriors, however Stephen Curry & Co. went simply 23-24 in such contests.
Greatest concern
For the Warriors, the largest concern heading into the postseason is the readiness of their younger core gamers. Rookies Trayce Jackson-Davis and Brandin Podziemski have turn out to be integral components of their group however are making their postseason debuts in a must-win play-in for the No. 8 seed. Golden State would possibly have to rely extra on Inexperienced at heart towards smaller lineups, and even flip again to Kevon Looney, in addition to proceed to offer Moses Moody extra enjoying time.
What to look at within the play-in
The important thing matchup for the Warriors shall be whoever defends Sabonis. In final yr’s postseason and this common season, that was Looney’s task. However he has fallen out of the rotation and has been changed by Jackson-Davis. The Warriors will almost certainly enlist Inexperienced to assist on the Kings’ nightly double-double menace.
One postseason prediction
We have heard of Sport 6 Klay, however may Tuesday’s sport be the beginning of “Play-in Klay”? Towards the tip of the season, Curry has been fatigued however Thompson has hit a strong rhythm, posting 22.8 factors per sport on 42.4% 3-point taking pictures over his previous seven video games.
— Andrews
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