Following the second year of this new “play in” tournament which confirmed the 7th & 8th seeds. The NBA playoff’s, as we all know and love can now commence.
Aside from Covid/vaccination issues, which will still effect the play offs. It has been a typical gruelling, exciting, action packed and arduous 82 game regular season, the first 82 game season in three years. There were plenty of stories and surprises, none more so than LeBron James failing to make the post season for the first time since 2005.
That said, there will still be plenty of stars on show and this season seems to be wide open as to who will become champions.
THE FAVOURITES
Last year’s runners up Phoenix Suns finished with the best record in the NBA and their 64 wins set a franchise record, which led to coach Monty Williams getting coach of the year.
They have a deep roster that is led by Chris Paul (2nd assists, 3rd steals pg, 5th steals) and Devin Booker (7th field goals, 8th pts, 12th ppg). With key contributions from JaVale McGee (19th blocks), Mikail Bridges (18th steals), Deandre Ayton and Jae Crowder.
The Suns were 1st for field goals made, 5th for points, 6th for steals & 10th for rebounds. Their aim is nothing less then a first NBA title in franchise history.
The NBA defending champions Milwaukee Bucks are capable of making it back to back titles. Finishing the season with the joint second best record in the East, they will be boosted by players returning from injuries, just in time for the play offs.
Led by two time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo (3rd ppg, 5th field goals, 6th pts, 7th rebounds, 14th blocks, 17th assists).
He will hope to get adequate back up from Jrue Holiday (11th steals, 13th assists) and Khris Middleton. The Bucks were 2nd for rebounds, 3rd for points, 4th for 3pts made and 6th for field goals. If the team can once again support Giannis, a repeat could be on the cards.
An all healthy Golden State Warriors team will be a match for anyone on their day, but the question is, how heathy are the GSW?
A lot of what they do well naturally depends on Steph Curry (1st 3pts, 14th pts, 14th ppg, 16th assists). However, he will also depend on the support of Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. With the emergence of Gary Payton II (20th steals), Jordan Poole (16th 3pts) along with Andrew Wiggins.
The Warriors were 3rd for 3pts made, 4th for steals and 7th for rebounds. If healthy, they are capable of beating anyone in a play off series, but that’s a big if.
The Miami Heat have a much deeper and well rounded roster then they had when they lost the NBA finals in 2020, and when they got swept in first round by the Bucks last year.
An often volatile bunch, led by the mercurial talents of Jimmy Butler, who even in defeat had fond memories of the 2020 finals. But he’s had his injury issues this season and will hope to stay healthy in the play off’s.
He will however, be well supported with the addition of Kyle Lowry (11th assists), Duncan Robinson (8th 3pts), favourite for 6th man of the year Tyler Herro and Bam Adebeyo. The Heat were 6th for 3pts made and had the best record in the Eastern conference, so a 4th NBA title is a possibility.
THE POSSIBLES
It has been really impressive to see the vast improvement Boston Celtics made in such a short time.
This young squad finished with the joint second best record in the East, thanks to a storming second half of the season. This could be attributed mainly to Jayson Tatum (4th pts, 4th field goals, 9th 3pts, 11th ppg) and Jaylen Brown (17th pts, 20th ppg).
But they also had key contributions from the likes of Robert Williams III (3rd blocks), Al Horford (13th blocks) and Marcus Smart (7th steals, 15th assists). Boston were 2nd for blocks, 5th for rebounds and 8th for 3pts made. So you can count them out at your own peril.
Although the Brooklyn Nets sneaked into the play off’s as the 7th seed, via the play in tournament, they are still serious contenders.
Especially as Kyrie Irving (8th ppg) missed most of the season due to his vaccine stance. Kevin Durant (4th ppg, 12th pts, 15th field goals) also missed a 3rd of the season, but still put up impressive numbers.
In their absence, there were inspiring contributions from Andre Drummond (13th rebound). Patty Mills (11th 3pts) and Bruce Brown. The Nets were 5th for field goals made, 5th for blocks and 9th for points. You could say they are dark horses.
The Memphis Grizzlies tied their franchise record of 56 wins as they ended the season with the second best record in the West.
It was somewhat of a surprise, especially as their star man Ja Morant (9th ppg, 14th field goals, 16th pts, 19th assists) missed almost a 3rd of the season through injury. While he was out, it was left to Jaron Jackson Jr (1st blocks) Desmond Bane (10th 3pts) Steven Adams (8th rebounds) and De’Anthony Melton (13th steals) to carry the load.
The Grizzlies were 1st for rebounds, steals & blocks, 2nd for points and field goals made. They could be a real force in these play off’s, with their all action, rough and dominant style.
There is no denying that almost all of the Philadelphia 76ers’ hopes are pinned on their centre Joel Embid (1st ppg, 3rd pts, 6th rebounds, 6th field goals, 10th blocks), if they are to at least make it to even the Eastern Conference finals.
However, he will need help from the very experienced and very capable James Harden (3rd assists), although he is not the Harden of old. They will then hope to get adequate support from Matisse Thybulle (8th steals) and Tyrese Maxey.
The 76ers were 6th for blocks, 9th for steals and can really stifle teams while scoring at will. They will no doubt aim for at least the conference finals.
THE MAYBES
Obviously, Luca Doncic (5th ppg, 7th pts, 9th field goals, 9th assists, 18th 3pts) has been a big part of Dallas Mavericks ended the season with the fourth best record in the West.
However, a late injury could really hurt their play off prospects and they will need huge contributions from mid season acquisition of Spencer Dinwiddie. Also, Jalen Brunson (20th assists), Dorian Finney-Smith and Maxi Kleber.
The Mavericks were 10th for 3pts made and if everyone is on-song, they can be a problem for anyone.
Over the recent years, Utah Jazz have been there or there about, but have failed to make an impact.
Last year they finished with the best record in the West, but were knocked out in the second round. This season they finished with the fifth best record and are going into the play off’s in good form, thanks to the likes of Donovan Mitchell (7th 3pts, 10th pts, 11th field goals, 13th ppg, 15th steals), the impressive Rudy Gobert (2nd rebounds, 2nd blocks).
Mike Conley (18th assists, 19th steals) and Hassan Whiteside (9th blocks). The Jazz were 3rd for rebounds and 7th for points. It could be this team as we know it’s last chance playing together, which could be all the motivation they need.
Last season’s MVP Nicola Jokic (1st rebounds, 2nd field goals, 5th pts, 6th assists, 10th ppg, 10th steals) will again lead the Denver Nuggets, as they hope to get further than last year’s conference SF’s.
If they are to even get past the first round, they will need performances from Aaron Gordon, Will Barton and Monte Morris. Then hope to use the experience of DeMarcus Cousins and Jeff Green.
The Nuggets were 8th for field goals made and 10th for points. They have what it takes but just need to put it all together at the right time.
After a slow start, the Toronto Raptors gradually improved throughout the season to finish impressively, just behind the top four with 48 wins.
This was mainly down to the performances of Fred VanVleet (3rd 3pts, 9th steals, 14th assists), Pascal Siakam (18th pts, 13th field goals), Gary Trent Jr (4th steals, 17th 3pts) and Scottie Barnes, who all chipped in with big contributions.
The Raptors were 2nd for steals and 8th for rebounds. They have a roster full of big, athletic players who can overwhelm teams.
THE OUTSIDERS
After the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Clippers at the play-in tournament to qualify as 7th seeds, then celebrated wildly, they’ve been getting stick.
But it was the first time they had made the play off’s since 2004. They are led by the talents of Karl-Anthony Towns (8th field goals, 9th pts, 10th rebounds, 15th ppg, 18th blocks), with D’Angelo Russell (12th assists), Anthony Edwards (12th steals, 14th 3pts, 19th pts, 19th field goals).
Malik Beasley (5th 3pts), Jarred Vanderbilt (16th steals) and the defensive stalwart of Patrick Beverley. The Timberwolves were 1st for points, 1st for 3pts made, 3rd for steals & blocks and 10th for field goals made. They come into the play off’s with momentum, so anything is possible and they will be a tough nut to crack.
The Chicago Bulls will always be synonymous with NBA play off’s and finals, but have not been to the play off’s since 2017.
Qualifying this year was in no small part to DeMar DeRozan (1st field goals, 2nd pts, 7th ppg) who led the team well, especially during a season where much of his team mates were injured or out due to illness.
Their hopes of getting past the first round rests on if they can get the likes of Zach LaVine (13th pts, 17th ppg, 18th field goals), Lonzo Ball (4th steals pg), Nicola Vucevic (5th rebounds), Patrick Williams and Alex Curuso (5th steals & steals pg) back and healthy.
The Bulls were 7th for field goals made and have the capabilites to upset anyone providing they have a healthy squad.
Atlanta Hawks secured the 8th seed after finishing 9th in the conference, then beating the Hornets and the Cavaliers in the play-in tournament.
Most of what they did good was around the fantastic Tre Young (1st pts, 1st assists, 3rd field goals, 6th ppg, 6th 3pts) who they will rely on heavily if they are to get to the conference finals again.
However, he will need support from Clint Capela (3rd rebounds, 12th blocks), Bogdan Bogdanovic and Delon Wright. The Hawks were 6th for points and are capable of outscoring most teams.
After finishing 9th in the conference, the New Orleans Pelicans secured an unlikely 8th seed by beating the Spurs then the Clippers.
If they are to go any further, CJ McCollum will be key to any and all of their prospects. He will then need adequate support from Jonas Valaciunas, Herbert Jones (3rd steals, 7th steal pg) Devonte Graham (19th 3pts), Brendan Ingram and Jaxson Hayes.
The Pelicans were 7th for steals and are a very big, imposing side. Although it was already an achievement to just get to the play offs, they are taking momentum into the post season, which is important.
PREDICTIONS
EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS
MILWAUKEE BUCKS VS MIAMI HEAT
WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS
PHOENIX SUNS VS MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
NBA FINALS
PHOENIX SUNS VS MILWAUKEE BUCKS
