With the NBA Play-In tournament coming up in April, two teams on the west and east will get a chance to make the playoffs. Here is my ranking of the teams I think will make the playoffs from least likely to most likely.
8. Golden State Warriors
After trading for Jimmy Butler last season, The Warriors started the season on fire. The Warriors appeared as a huge threat for the NBA finals, but Butler tore his ACL in a game against the Miami Heat in January. With Steph Curry also injured since Jan 30 and wont play for at least the next 10 days, the likelihood of playoffs is slimming.
7. Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks have boasted the NBA’s second best defense since the All-Star Break. The Hawks have the fourth easiest remaining schedule, featuring multiple matchups against lower ranking teams. The Hawks haven’t finished with a record above .500 since the 2021-2022 season, but the Hawks have a chance to surpass their 43-39 record from that season.
6. Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers rely heavily on Joel Embiid staying healthy, as he is vital for cues. The team faces risks with Embiid obtaining a strained right oblique and Tyrese Maxey managing a hand injury. Consistent performance is crucial for playoff chances.
5. Portland Trail Blazers
The Trail Blazers are likely to make the playoffs due to their easy remaining schedule, strong performances and a solid revamped defense. The biggest setback they faced was their initial poor start with a 13-28 record, leaving them to fight for a playoff spot rather than have it secured.
4. Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers have an easy schedule finishing off the season which may help them walk to the playoffs. After trading one of their all star players James Harden, their future remains uncertain. The team added younger talents like Bannedict Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson to the roster, helping build for the future. The playoffs can still be possible if they stay consistent and healthy.
3. Charlotte Hornets
Despite being the No. 10 spot in the east, the Hornets still remain huge contenders to make the playoffs. After a nine-game winning streak in February, the Hornets are on fire. They just traded for Coby White and Mike Conley Jr. last month as well. If Lamelo Ball and the rest of the team stays healthy for the rest of the season, they are serious playoff contenders.
2. Phoenix Suns
The Suns have shown great consistency when their team is fully healthy. The team beat the No. 5 Los Angeles Lakers Feb 26, without their star player Devin Booker. If the Suns continues to improve their defense and practice their 3 point shots, the team is very likely to make the playoffs.
- Miami Heat
After the recent win over the No. 1 Detroit Pistons, the Heat have shown they are able to beat good teams. Their team captain Bam Adebayo scored a record 83 points during a recent game against the Washington Wizards, beating Kobe Bryant’s 81 point record set in 2006. The Heat season has been inconsistent, but have been on fire in March with six straight wins. If they hold this streak, they will make playoffs.
