NBA: Team rankings heading into the playoffs...

[ElNono]

Playoffs are just a month away... good time to update the team's rankings, tbh...

1. Spurs
A team that has battled with injuries and boredom pretty much throughout the entire regular season. Health is largely the main concern. The defending champs are a seasoned team, still looking for a new challenge.

2. Cavs
When you have Lebron, you always have a chance. The big question for them is how will Irving and Love respond in the pressure packed atmosphere of the playoffs.

3. Grizzlies
Another team that has basically coasted through the regular season. Their game is tailored for the playoffs' pace, but 3 point shooting might come back to haunt them again.

4. Hawks
Dark horse in the East. Well coached, with players that bough into a culture and system. Already had a solid playoff run last season, and are looking to improve this season.

5. Warriors
Extremely talented team, but very reliant on perimeter/guard play and fast paced game. Bogut's health might be the barometer of how far they go.

6. Rockets
Will they have Howard back? Will he help or hinder them? Will Harden get the whistle when the games get physical? Can McHale make the right adjustments when needed? Too many questions.

7. Wizards
They've been talented for a while, but they're extremely inconsistent. They could play spoiler in the East if they figure things out.

8. Dallas
Dark horse in the West. Another seasoned team, well coached. Adding Rondo has been a disaster, and might be their achilles, but he will be easier to mask in the playoffs, where the pace slows down. Can Dirk turn back the clock enough for another run?


OKC would've made this list if they didn't suffer through so many injuries. Russ looks spent and it looks like they'll be shorthanded if they make the playoffs at all. But they should be considered somewhere here if they get KD and Ibaka back.
The rest are pretty much pretenders...

[Beaverfuzz]

Spurs are #1 by far, no one else is close.

[FkLA]

Great list*. Spurs are just toying with league imo.

*except Dallas, they're overrated pretenders

[313]

Fast pace or slow pace, I don't see how the Mavs will mask the blackhole that is Rajon Rondo

[ViceCity86]

1.Cavs
2.Warriors
3.Spurs
4.Hawks
5.Grizzlies
6.Clippers
7.Thunder
8.Rockets
9.Mavs
10.Blazers
11.Bulls
12.Raptors
13.Wizards
14.Heat
15.Bucks
16.Celtics

All current playoff teams

[ViceCity86]

Cavs #1 simply because they are in the LEast.

[apalisoc_9]

1. Warriors
2. Hawks
3. Spurs
4. Grizzlies
5. Lebron
6. Houston
7. Portland
8. LA
9. Dallas.
10. Thunder

Honestly Lebron's team is not built like a champion. Unless they somehow make history by becoming one of the worst defensive champions..I don't see it.

GSW and Atlanta are both playing a level above everyone else.

We will see in the playoffs if the spurs are just really bored.

I think the xhampion is going to be between GSW, Atlanta, Spurs and Lebron..With Atlanta and Warriors as favourites and deservingly so.