As they say, we are getting into the business end of the NBA season. With just under 30 games to go for most teams, it’s time for teams to put up or shut up as they make their claims for the Playoffs. As with every season, there have been surprise packages, and we’d put the Cleveland Cavaliers in that bracket this season, as well as disappointments. You can ask fans of the Philadelphia 76ers to tell you all about that.
Yet, a typical NBA season always throws up some dark horses, teams that were unfancied in the NBA odds at the start of the season. While the Cavaliers, Celtics, Thunder, and Nuggets are seen as the leading contenders for the NBA Championship, at least going by the betting markets, a handful of teams look intriguing as we head into the spring.
Below, we will look at some of those teams. We aren’t saying they are likely to win it all in June, but anything could happen, and they should be watched as we move into Playoff season.
Houston Rockets
Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun, and Jalen Green have been among the standout performers for a Houston team that should be bound for the Playoffs. There are plenty of things to like about how the Rockets have done their business this season, but they have an excellent home record. If they can get a decent seeding position for the Playoffs, we expect them to be formidable opponents when visiting teams head to the Toyota Center. They don’t have the deepest talent pool in their roster, so everyone must stay healthy, but they have been impressive.
Indiana Pacers
One of those teams that analysts are still trying to work out, the Pacers have quietly been one of the best offensive teams in the NBA, particularly since the start of January. Like Houston, they are decent on their home patch. They have a decent cushion over teams looking to make the PLAY-In positions, so we expect that, at least, from the Pacers. Direct entry to the Playoffs would be better, and it is in their hands.
Orlando Magic
This is a difficult one. The Magic won’t win the NBA Championship this year, barring some miracle. Yet, several players on the team could form a championship-winning nucleus in the years to come. The problem is offense, with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner (two stars for the future) the Magic’s only threat. Yet, the team is entirely of grinders, keeping them competitive in a tough Eastern Conference. What fans will – should – hope for is to see this young team squeak into the Playoffs, gaining valuable experience for the years to come.
Golden State Warriors
You can’t call the Warriors underdogs in any season, but we have seen several pundits cite the Warriors as the team to watch in the regular season run-in. We agree. Jimmy Butler looks right at home in a Warriors uniform and is the correct type of catalyst signing to put the team into contention. Again, we don’t think they have the quality to win a playoff series against a top-tier team like the Thunder or Celtics (should they get that far), but they do have quality and experience. We should not rule them out of a run deep into the Playoffs.
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