The 2020-21 NBA playoffs — and play-in! — are lastly right here. And this factor is as huge open as ever.
But earlier than we lock within the full 16-team area, here is a take a look at the primary spherical of the play-in event, throughout which two groups from every convention will safe the Nos. 7 and eight seeds:
Eastern Conference (Tuesday)
Western Conference (Wednesday)
NBA playoffs 2021
And sure, that’s not a typo: The defending champion Lakers are in truth preventing for his or her postseason lives within the play-in event. If they’ll make it into the sphere, a wholesome LeBron James and Anthony Davis may make the Lakers one of the vital harmful No. 7 or No. 8 seeds in NBA historical past.
The Lakers are amongst 20 groups nonetheless vying for an NBA championship. Here’s every part you must learn about every of them, together with essentially the most regarding challenges, stats to look at and the largest matchups in every first-round collection and play-in showdown.
Note: Las Vegas odds supplied by Caesars Sportsbook by William Hill. Statistics supplied by ESPN Stats & Information analysis.
Jump to:
East 1-6 seeds | East play-in
West 1-6 seeds | West play-in
Eastern Conference : NBA playoffs 2021
1. Philadelphia 76ers
2020-21 report: 49-23
Vegas title odds: +700
After an offseason stuffed with modifications, together with a brand new president of basketball operations (Daryl Morey), coach (Doc Rivers) and two new starters (Danny Green and Seth Curry), the Sixers sat atop the Eastern Conference for many of the season and completed with the highest seed. A giant cause for that was the play of Joel Embiid, who, when he was accessible, might need been the NBA’s most dominant participant in simply the very best marketing campaign of his profession.
Biggest concern alongside their playoff path
Can this group rating sufficient? Setting apart the apparent potential for damage, nobody questions Philadelphia’s capacity to play suffocating protection when it’s complete. But the 76ers’ second-ranked protection is superior to the group’s Thirteenth-ranked offense, which may are likely to get slowed down, particularly when its streaky 3-point shooters begin lacking. Then there’s the difficulty of scoring late in video games — that has been an issue in Philly for years — and it stays to be seen whether or not this season’s group will resolve it.
Their playoff ceiling is …
NBA champion. The Sixers are one of many handful of groups that ought to enter the postseason feeling like they’ve a authentic likelihood to win. And with Brooklyn and Milwaukee on track to duke it out within the Eastern Conference semifinals, it will likely be unacceptable for Philadelphia to fail to no less than attain the Eastern Conference finals, a feat the 76ers have not completed in 20 years.
Fan attendance
The 76ers are permitted to permit 15% capability at Wells Fargo Arena.
— Tim Bontemps
One stat to look at
The 76ers rank second in defensive effectivity (107.0) behind the Lakers (106.8) this season, and the protection at every place has been stellar. According to ESPN’s defensive actual plus-minus, the 76ers are the one group with a participant within the prime 10 at each place: Danny Green (third amongst SFs), Tobias Harris (fourth amongst PFs), Joel Embiid (sixth amongst Cs), Ben Simmons (fifth amongst PGs) and Seth Curry (eighth amongst SGs). — Jose De Leon
NBA playoffs 2021
2. Brooklyn Nets
2020-21 report: 48-24
Vegas title odds: +220
The Nets are a group brimming with expertise, however they’ve been unable to remain wholesome this season. Since finishing a blockbuster commerce in January that landed James Harden — and likewise noticed the departures of longtime Nets gamers Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert — the Nets’ Big Three have performed in simply eight video games collectively: Kyrie Irving has missed a handful of video games for private causes and numerous small accidents, Kevin Durant missed over a month with a hamstring pressure and had two coronavirus contact-tracing-related absences and Harden missed over a month with a hamstring pressure earlier than returning to the lineup with two video games remaining within the common season.
Biggest concern alongside their playoff path
The Nets’ largest concern is getting by way of the postseason damage free. The fewest video games a championship group’s prime three scorers have performed collectively in an everyday season is 10, when the 2000-01 Lakers performed simply 10 video games with Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal and Derek Fisher. Yes, the Nets have had a restricted variety of video games to construct chemistry, and sure, they’d be difficult that benchmark set by the Lakers. Still, so long as the Nets can keep wholesome, there isn’t any higher trio contending for a championship proper now.
Their playoff ceiling is …
NBA champions. The Nets are one of the vital offensively potent groups in NBA historical past, and regardless of enjoying only a handful of standard season video games at full power, they nonetheless have the very best offensive ranking within the league and rating the second-most factors per sport, making them a formidable opponent in opposition to anybody.
Fan attendance
The Nets are permitted to permit 10% capability at Barclays Center.
— Malika Andrews
One stat to look at
No doubt the Nets need to have Harden accessible with the sport on the road. In video games he has performed clutch-time minutes with the Nets, the group is 18-2 with an efficient area purpose share of 59% and an offensive effectivity of 128.9. Those numbers are down considerably with out him: Brooklyn is 11th of September with an efficient area purpose share of 48% and an offensive effectivity of 112.9 when The Beard sits. — Jose De Leon
NBA playoffs 2021
3. Milwaukee Bucks
2020-21 report: 46-26
BPI odds vs. MIA: 54%
Vegas title odds: +750
After two dominant common seasons did not translate into postseason success, Milwaukee modified its strategy. It was made clear to teach Mike Budenholzer that he wanted to be extra versatile along with his schemes at each ends to raised put together for the playoffs, and he has been. The Bucks pushed all their chips in to commerce for the Pelicans’ Jrue Holiday, and he has been each little bit of the improve over Eric Bledsoe at level guard they hoped. They additionally later added P.J. Tucker on the commerce deadline to present them much more versatility. And whereas the Bucks have a worse report coming into the playoffs than final yr, they imagine they’re extra ready than ever behind reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
NBA playoffs 2021
Biggest concern alongside their playoff path
Will the entire modifications work? The previous two playoffs haven’t been variety to Budenholzer, particularly, who struggled to maintain up with changes by Toronto’s Nick Nurse and Miami’s Erik Spoelstra throughout final season’s playoffs. Budenholzer has made a concerted effort to experiment extra this season, and it has paid off. But till these changes are put into the stress cooker that’s dealing with groups just like the Nets and 76ers within the playoffs, it is exhausting to know whether or not they’ll stick. Beyond that, can Antetokounmpo be the very best participant on the ground in each collection? He wasn’t in opposition to Toronto final season, and he wasn’t in opposition to Miami. He will must be the very best for the Bucks to achieve their ceiling.
NBA playoffs 2021
Matchup to look at in Round 1: Giannis vs. Miami’s protection
During the second spherical final season, when Miami made fast work of Milwaukee within the bubble, the Heat had been capable of frustrate Antetokounmpo, sending him into one wall of defenders after one other earlier than the MVP finally sprained his ankle and missed the top of the collection. There is not going to be a greater take a look at of the modifications that the Bucks have made this season in preparation for the playoffs than going again up in opposition to that very same Heat protection.
Their playoff ceiling is …
NBA champion. Having to beat each Brooklyn and Philadelphia will make for a difficult highway to the Finals, however these Bucks are greater than able to pulling it off than ever earlier than.
Fan attendance
The Bucks are permitted to permit 50% capability at Fiserv Forum.
— Tim Bontemps
One stat to look at
The Bucks (120.1 PPG) are the primary group to common no less than 120 factors per sport for a season because the 1984-85 Nuggets. Entering this season, 22 groups averaged 120 factors per sport in a season; 4 of these went on to win the title (1972 Lakers, 1967 76ers, 1960 and 1962 Celtics). — Jose De Leon
NBA playoffs 2021
4. New York Knicks
2020-21 report: 41-31
BPI odds vs. ATL: 41%
Vegas title odds: +8000
After years of a swirling cycle of teaching modifications, public drama and bottom-dwelling outcomes, the Knicks have cracked the playoffs for the primary time because the Carmelo Anthony period. They employed Leon Rose because the group’s new president and made Tom Thibodeau their new head coach. The Knicks have stormed into the postseason behind the play of Julius Randle, who has ascended right into a bona fide star this season, incomes him his first All-Star look. The 26-year-old leads New York in scoring, assists and utilization. And he’s flanked by key rotational gamers, together with RJ Barrett, Derrick Rose and sharpshooter Reggie Bullock.
NBA playoffs 2021
Biggest concern alongside their playoff path
Their lack of postseason expertise. The Knicks’ starters have performed a mixed 16 whole playoff video games: Nerlens Noel has competed in 12 postseason contests, and Reggie Bullock has appeared in 4. Randle, who has led them by way of the common season, will probably be enjoying in his first postseason. The Knicks have been distinctive in shut video games to finish the common season — going 9-2 in clutch-time video games since April 9, in line with ESPN Stats & Information analysis. That is nice for the second-best such report within the NBA in that point. Still, the deeper that groups go within the playoffs, celebrity expertise and expertise are likely to win out.
NBA playoffs 2021
Matchups to look at in Round 1: Randle vs. the bigs, and Thibs’ plan for Trae
There are two matchups to control: Randle vs. Clint Capela and John Collins; and Thibodeau vs. Trae Young. Randle has been a power in opposition to the Hawks this season, scoring 40 factors, 44 factors and 28 factors in every of their three matchups. (The Knicks gained all three.) Capela and Collins could possibly be tasked with containing him. On the opposite aspect, Thibodeau has appeared to attract up schemes to power the Hawks to attempt to beat them with out Young’s sharpshooting. Young shot 36.2% in opposition to the Knicks within the common season, his second lowest in opposition to any group that he performed no less than 3 times.
Their playoff ceiling is …
A second-round exit. The Knicks are 3-0 in opposition to Atlanta this season heading into their opening-round matchup, however a second-round collection in opposition to a seasoned 76ers group may show to be an insurmountable hurdle.
Fan attendance
The Knicks are permitted to permit 10% capability at Madison Square Garden.
— Malika Andrews
One stat to look at
The Knicks are again within the postseason by returning to their defensive methods beneath Thibodeau. New York has held opponents beneath 100 factors in 24 video games this season and leads the NBA in factors allowed per sport at 104.7. The final time the Knicks led the NBA in fewest factors allowed was the 2000-01 season, when the group gained 48 video games — and when Thibodeau was an assistant coach on their employees. — Jason Joseph
NBA playoffs 2021
5. Atlanta Hawks
2020-21 report: 41-31
BPI odds vs. NY: 59%
Vegas title odds: +5000
It looks as if we have seen two completely different seasons from the Hawks, who had been out of the East playoff image at 14-20 when coach Lloyd Pierce was fired however have gone 27-11 beneath interim coach Nate McMillan to climb to fifth. A wholesome Bogdan Bogdanovic has been a key a part of the turnaround. He has averaged 18.0 factors per sport because the teaching change, turning Atlanta’s second-unit lineups with out start line guard Trae Young from the group’s largest legal responsibility right into a stunning power because the Hawks return to the playoffs for the primary time since 2017.
NBA playoffs 2021
Biggest concern alongside their playoff path
Playoff inexperience. Of Atlanta’s prime 5 scorers, solely middle Clint Capela has ever appeared within the playoffs. ESPN’s Zach Lowe has instructed the story of operating into Hawks guard Kevin Huerter in his resort in Philadelphia through the 2019 playoffs, when Pierce brought Huerter to watch his former team and get a sense of postseason basketball. Watching from the stands isn’t any substitute for the actual factor, and playoff expertise does have predictive energy for group success. Atlanta’s stars may wrestle to adapt to defenses scheming for them differently than through the common season.
NBA playoffs 2021
Trae Young talks in regards to the Hawks’ comeback win over the Wizards plus his feeling getting Atlanta again within the playoffs for the primary time since 2017.
Matchup to look at in Round 1: Battle of the second items
With Bogdanovic enjoying nearly all of the minutes that Young would not, Atlanta has been surprisingly good with out its star recently. The Hawks have outscored opponents by 3.9 factors per 100 possessions with Bogdanovic on and Young off because the All-Star break. They’ll be challenged to stick with it in opposition to a New York bench that ranks second in reserve scoring on a per-minute foundation because the break, powered by Derrick Rose’s 14.8 PPG coming off the bench.
NBA playoffs 2021
Their playoff ceiling is …
A second-round exit. There’s no cause to assume the Hawks cannot win a first-round matchup in opposition to the equally inexperienced Knicks, however knocking off one of many East’s prime three is a more durable activity.
NBA playoffs 2021
Fan attendance
The Hawks are permitted to permit 45% capability at State Farm Arena.
— Kevin Pelton
One stat to look at
Young is the primary participant in NBA historical past to common 25 factors and 9 assists per sport in a number of seasons earlier than his age-23 season. Oscar Robertson (1960-61) is the one different participant to have one such season earlier than an age-23 marketing campaign. John Collins and Clint Capela have benefited essentially the most from Young’s assists this season. Young has assisted on 267 Collins and Capela area targets this season; the one participant with a better help whole to a pair of teammates is Golden State’s Draymond Green (290 to Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins mixed). — Jose De Leon
NBA playoffs 2021
6. Miami Heat
2020-21 report: 40-32
BPI odds vs. MIL: 46%
Vegas title odds: +4000
The bubble hangover was actual. After a brief layoff following their run to the Finals, the Heat struggled with a mix of accidents, inconsistencies and COVID-19 protocols all through numerous factors within the season. Miami nonetheless discovered its manner by the top of the season and began to spherical into type simply earlier than the playoffs. As was the case within the bubble final yr, it was Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo who set the tone. Miami is banking on the duo as soon as once more.
NBA playoffs 2021
Biggest concern alongside their playoff path
Miami discovered magic throughout its bubble run final fall due to the push it received from veteran guard Goran Dragic and younger sharpshooters Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson. This season, Herro missed a number of weeks with a foot damage earlier than getting wholesome for the playoffs and has struggled at occasions to seek out his shot — as evidenced by a chilly April by which he shot simply 35.5% from the sphere over 14 video games.
NBA playoffs 2021
Kendrick Perkins says the Heat will show to be robust contenders within the East as they did final season.
Matchup to look at in Round 1: A brand new PG to take care of
Bucks guard Jrue Holiday presents Miami a significant problem the Heat did not see throughout final season’s playoffs. It will probably be fascinating to see how a lot Holiday squares off in opposition to Heat All-Star Jimmy Butler and the way a lot offense Holiday can present alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton. Holiday, who averaged 19 factors, 7.3 assists and 4 rebounds in three regular-season video games in opposition to the Heat, was delivered to Milwaukee to be a difference-maker within the postseason. Now is his likelihood.
Their playoff ceiling is …
A second-round exit. The Heat rolled by way of the Eastern Conference bubble playoffs final season, however the Nets — Miami’s possible second-round foe — have elevated themselves into a distinct tier this season. Not to say the Bucks would love nothing greater than to knock out the Heat group that upended Milwaukee’s title run final season.
Fan attendance
The Heat are permitted to permit 15% capability at AmericanAirlines Arena.
— Nick Friedell
One stat to look at
The Heat are a a lot better group with Jimmy Butler within the lineup. With him, they went 33-19 and held opponents to 106.1 factors per sport, which might rank second within the NBA this season. Without him, they had been 7-13 and gave up 113.0 factors per sport — that might rank twentieth within the league. — Jose De Leon
East play-in event
7. Boston Celtics
2020-21 report: 36-36
BPI odds vs. WAS: 66%
Vegas title odds: +9000
After making it to the Eastern Conference finals in three of the previous 4 years, this season’s Celtics group fell far under that normal. The two positives: the play of All-Stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. But Brown is now out for the season after present process season-ending wrist surgical procedure final week. Even earlier than Brown was out, the Celtics have completed little to present anybody confidence they’ll return to that elite stage. The lack of Gordon Hayward, who went to Charlotte in free company, has been felt all season lengthy, whereas the again half of the roster — largely comprising younger gamers drafted prior to now couple of years — failed to supply commonly. As a consequence, the Celtics floated across the center of the East playoff image all season and are deservingly taking part within the play-in event.
Biggest concern alongside their playoff path
At this level, it must be whether or not the Celtics may even make it out of the play-in. They actually have completed nothing to encourage confidence of late, even in mild of the entire disappointments they’ve handled this season. Boston now should modify to life with out Brown, one among their two prime gamers alongside Tatum. This group ought to make it out of the play-in, given Boston would host each video games, however nobody in Beantown is closely assured they may.
Matchup to look at within the play-in: Jayson Tatum vs. Bradley Beal
The longtime pals from St. Louis now discover themselves going up in opposition to each other with a playoff spot on the road. That will probably be a enjoyable sport inside the sport Tuesday night time — as will the possible battle of Russell Westbrook vs. Marcus Smart. The final time these two groups performed was a one-point thriller in Boston on Feb. 28 that noticed Beal miss a troublesome jumper on the buzzer.
Their playoff ceiling is …
First-round fodder. Any hopes the Celtics had been going to make any try at a aggressive collection within the first spherical ended with Brown’s season-ending damage. Now it is only a matter of avoiding the embarrassment of shedding within the play-in, or getting swept in the event that they advance to the primary spherical.
Fan attendance
The Celtics are permitted to permit 12% capability at TD Garden.
— Tim Bontemps
One stat to look at
Boston has seen its fair proportion of accidents this season and will probably be with out Jaylen Brown for the postseason run. The brunt of the scoring now falls on Jayson Tatum and Kemba Walker. The duo has posted an offensive ranking of 116.8, which is tied for the very best two-man lineup mixture on the group amongst gamers who’ve logged no less than 500 minutes on the courtroom collectively. — Jason Joseph
8. Washington Wizards
2020-21 report: 34-38
BPI odds vs. BOS: 34%
Vegas title odds: +30000
After the daring transfer so as to add Russell Westbrook within the offseason, the Wizards’ season did not begin as anticipated. Westbrook handled nagging accidents. Their 3-point shooters weren’t making something. They needed to take nearly two weeks off due to COVID-19 points inside the roster. It reached a fairly dramatic “yikes” second halfway by way of the season, however behind Westbrook’s sudden run at triple-double historical past and Bradley Beal’s run on the scoring title, the Wizards discovered their identification simply in time.
Biggest concern alongside their playoff path
There’s a normal feeling that no person needs to see the Westbrook-Beal tandem in a one-game winner-takes-all. But on the identical time, when a lot of your group hinges on wonderful gamers producing wonderful performances, a foul night time for the Wizards’ stars leaves no backup plan. Washington has been an inconsistent defensive group all season and rides waves of cold and hot taking pictures. If the Wizards are on, they’re powerful. But if not, it may go south shortly.
Matchup to look at within the play-in: Pick your poison
Smart in all probability cannot guard two gamers directly, so the Celtics might want to decide the place he’s greatest utilized — in opposition to Westbrook or Beal? It’s an space the Wizards can attempt to exploit. Plus, control Westbrook taking Kemba Walker to the block when there’s a possibility. Westbrook likes to exert his power and measurement in matchups; he has each over Walker.
Their playoff ceiling is …
An early problem for a contender. The Wizards play some wild video games and appear to have a knack for elevating their stage of play in opposition to higher groups. Westbrook by no means goes quietly, and any collection with him concerned may have one thing dramatic occur.
Fan attendance
The Wizards are permitted to permit 10% capability at Capital One Arena.
— Royce Young
One stat to look at
The Wizards’ offense runs on isolation, spearheaded by their celebrity backcourt of Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal. Washington has had essentially the most isolations as a group this season — 1,731, in line with Second Spectrum — with Westbrook and Beal having mixed for 1,327 (78%) of them. The solely groups to attain extra factors in isolation this season are the Nets, Bucks and Knicks. — Jason Joseph
9. Indiana Pacers
2020-21 report: 34-38
BPI odds vs. CHA: 54%
Vegas title odds: +30000
The Pacers entered 2020-21 as maybe the NBA’s most constant group, profitable between 42 and 48 video games in every of the earlier 5 seasons, however accidents derailed them. Indiana misplaced T.J. Warren to a season-ending navicular stress fracture within the season’s opening week, performed two months with out newly acquired Caris LeVert when he was recognized with renal cell carcinoma and extra not too long ago misplaced Myles Turner to a partial tear of the plantar plate in his proper large toe. Without Turner, the Pacers slid within the play-in standings and now should win twice to achieve the playoffs.
Biggest concern alongside their playoff path
Can they cease anyone with out Turner, the NBA’s main shot-blocker? His return stays unsure. Since April 7, Indiana has ranked twentieth in defensive ranking with Turner enjoying only one sport in that span. Previously, the Pacers had been simply outdoors the NBA’s prime 10, rating eleventh. And opponent factors within the paint have gone from 51.1 per sport (twenty ninth) to 59.5 since April 7, practically 5 greater than some other group has allowed.
Matchup to look at within the play-in: Game of zones?
The Pacers ranked third within the NBA in most possessions enjoying zone protection this season, in line with Second Spectrum monitoring, whereas the Hornets led the league on this class. Given the quick turnaround of the play-in, the number of defenses coach Nate Bjorkgren has used over the course of the season may current a game-planning problem for Charlotte and a doable edge for Indiana.
Their playoff ceiling is …
First-round fodder. Given Turner’s damage and uncertainty about the way forward for their first-year head coach in Bjorkgren, merely escaping the play-in event could be a shock.
Fan attendance
The Pacers are permitted to permit 25% capability at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
— Kevin Pelton
One stat to look at
Indiana is led by All-Star large man Domantas Sabonis, who is about to develop into the primary participant in Pacers historical past to common 20 factors, 10 rebounds and 5 assists per sport in a season. He is one among 5 gamers to realize these totals this season. (Giannis Antetokounmpo, Julius Randle, Russell Westbrook and Nikola Jokic are the others.) The points include Sabonis’ protection: When he’s on the courtroom, the Pacers are outscored by 2.1 factors per 100 possessions; when he’s off the ground, their defensive ranking improves from 111.5 to 109.9, so he’s a first-rate candidate for late-game offense-for-defense substitutions. — Jason Joseph
10. Charlotte Hornets
2020-21 report: 33-39
BPI odds vs. IND: 46%
Vegas title odds: +30000
Rookie guard LaMelo Ball has supplied the vitality the Hornets wanted to regain nationwide relevance. Ball’s spectacular debut season, mixed with the addition of former All-Star Gordon Hayward and the robust play of Terry Rozier, has given the Hornets a core price constructing round. P.J. Washington, Devonte’ Graham and Miles Bridges have supplied coach James Borrego stable choices for a roster that has grown all through the season.
Biggest concern alongside their playoff path
Playoff inexperience. Aside from Hayward, who missed over a month heading into the play-in due to a foot damage, and Rozier — this can be a younger group that does not know what the playoffs are like. The group hasn’t performed in large video games collectively and goes to need to study on the fly what it takes to win. Ball would not seem like the kind of participant who shies away from a problem, so it will likely be fascinating to see how he responds to playoff depth.
Matchup to look at within the play-in: LaMelo vs. his lack of playoff expertise
The key as to whether Charlotte can get previous the Pacers within the first play-in sport facilities round how Terry Rozier and LaMelo Ball match up in opposition to Malcolm Brogdon and Caris LeVert. Ball is the wild card getting his first style of playoff-level depth. Ball comes into the sport having gone simply 17-for-55 from the sphere over his previous 4 video games.
Their playoff ceiling is …
First-round fodder. If the Hornets can win their manner out of the play-in event, the season ought to be thought-about successful. This was all the time going to be a developmental yr — any playoff expertise will do them good.
Fan attendance
The Hornets are permitted to permit 60% capability at Spectrum Center.
— Nick Friedell
One stat to look at
The Hornets discover themselves within the play-in event largely due to their unselfishness on the offensive finish. Charlotte is tied for fifth within the NBA in assists per sport (26.8). With the emergence of rookie LaMelo Ball, the Hornets have jumped from being nineteenth in that class final season. The ball strikes with tempo for the Hornets irrespective of who’s on the courtroom, as they common 314.9 passes per sport as a group, in line with Second Spectrum. Only the Warriors, 76ers and Pacers transfer the ball greater than the Hornets. — Jason Joseph
Western Conference
1. Utah Jazz
2020-21 report: 52-20
Vegas title odds: +700
The Jazz had the NBA’s greatest report for the overwhelming majority of the season in addition to the league’s longest profitable streak (11 video games) and two nine-game profitable streaks that tied for the second-longest runs of the marketing campaign. The Jazz gained 39 video games by double digits, by far essentially the most within the league. They led the league in web ranking (+9.0) by three factors per 100 possessions and had been the one group to rank among the many prime 5 in offensive (116.5) and defensive (107.5) scores. All-Star middle Rudy Gobert led the league in total plus-minus (+728) by nearly 200 factors, and Utah had the highest 4 gamers in that statistic.
Biggest concern alongside their playoff path
Can the Jazz play their most well-liked offensive type through the postseason? Utah led the league in 3-pointers made (16.7 per sport) and tried (43.0) whereas taking the fewest midrange photographs (6.2). The Jazz generate high-quality photographs off screening and crisp ball motion, however how properly will that work in opposition to a superb switching protection within the playoffs? When the Jazz get out of rhythm, they have an inclination to rely an excessive amount of on All-Star Donovan Mitchell, who sat the ultimate three video games of the common season with an ankle challenge, to create late within the shot clock. Utah went 1-6 when Mitchell tried greater than 25 area targets this season.
Jordan Clarkson discusses the components behind his type for the Jazz, as a contender for the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award.
Their playoff ceiling is …
NBA champion. There are doubters, due primarily to the truth that this period’s Jazz have but to make a deep postseason run, however Utah must be thought-about a authentic championship contender in a wide-open playoff area.
Fan attendance
The Jazz are permitted to permit 71% capability at Vivint Arena.
— Tim MacMahon
One stat to look at
The Jazz set the NBA report for essentially the most 3s made per sport at 16.7, however in addition they allowed a league-low 10.9 3s per sport. They’re simply the second group in NBA historical past to take advantage of 3s and enable the fewest in a season, becoming a member of the 1999-2000 Pacers. That Indiana group (coached by Larry Bird) completed No. 1 within the East and went to the NBA Finals, shedding to the Lakers in six video games. — Vincent Johnson
2. Phoenix Suns
2020-21 report: 51-21
Vegas title odds: +1400
Coming off an impressed 8-0 run within the bubble final season regardless of lacking the playoffs, the Suns had been able to make the bounce. Insert Chris Paul. The commerce for Paul, which despatched out 4 gamers and a 2022 first-rounder to Oklahoma City, helped to raise the Suns from outdoors the playoff image to the second-best report within the league. Paul has performed at an All-NBA stage. And the Suns have had comparatively good well being all season: Paul, Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges have mixed to overlook simply six video games.
Biggest concern alongside their playoff path
Will playoff inexperience develop into an element? Paul and Jae Crowder have been right here, however how will the Suns’ total lack of playoff reps have an effect on the remainder of the roster? Down the stretch, because the Suns chased the No. 1 seed, they misplaced to Atlanta, the Lakers and Golden State (and nearly to Portland). If they’ll proper the ship and get again to the group they had been from February to April — after they had been 35-10 — they’re going to be simply fantastic.
Their playoff ceiling is …
A run to the NBA Finals. The West is actually the wild, wild West proper now: Phoenix may get unfortunate with its draw within the first spherical — that’s, a matchup with the defending champion Lakers — and have an early exit; or the Suns may energy by way of and switch the franchise’s first playoff berth since 2010 into its first Finals journey since 1993.
Fan attendance
The Suns are permitted to permit 17% capability at Phoenix Suns Arena.
— Andrew Lopez
One stat to look at
The Suns have been traditionally environment friendly on one usually forgotten space of the ground: the midrange. Led by Paul (first within the league in midrange makes) and Booker (fourth within the league), Phoenix shot 47.4% from that space through the common season, the very best share by any group prior to now 20 seasons. — Vincent Johnson
3. Denver Nuggets
2020-21 report: 47-25
BPI odds vs. POR: 48%
Vegas title odds: +3500
After their surprising run to the Western Conference finals, the Nuggets opened the season 6-7. But Nikola Jokic began the season on hearth, launching an MVP marketing campaign with 4 triple-doubles in his first six video games. The Nuggets adopted their chief and had been trying like title contenders after a deadline deal for the Orlando Magic’s Aaron Gordon. And though level guard Jamal Murray tore an ACL and Monte Morris and Will Barton have missed prolonged time, the Nuggets enter the playoffs as a top-3 seed.
Biggest concern alongside their playoff path
Does Jokic have sufficient assist? Remember, Murray averaged 31.6 factors and scored 50 twice in a sensational first spherical in opposition to Utah final season. Michael Porter Jr. has to not solely step up as a authentic No. 2 scoring menace however rebound at an elite stage and maintain his personal defensively in his second postseason. The Nuggets want Barton again to assist with scoring.
Matchup to look at in Round 1: Jokic vs. Portland, Part II
The final time these two confronted one another within the playoffs, it took seven video games — together with a historic 140-137 four-overtime Game 3 — for the Blazers to outlast the Nuggets within the second spherical in 2019. Jokic averaged 27.1 factors, 13.9 rebounds and seven.7 assists in that collection, which was simply his second ever. Now he enters this matchup extra skilled and because the MVP front-runner. Even although the Nuggets do not have Murray, they do have Porter, who’s primed for his playoff breakout. The Nuggets may use Barton again, however they’ve overcome accidents all season lengthy.
Their playoff ceiling is …
Conference finalist. The manner Jokic has performed this season, he can carry the Nuggets again to the convention finals relying on the matchups. But with out Murray, who dazzled in final season’s playoff run, the Nuggets do not appear to have sufficient to get to the Finals.
Fan attendance
The Nuggets are permitted to permit 40% capability at Ball Arena.
— Ohm Youngmisuk
One stat to look at
Jokic has averaged 1.30 factors per possession out of the put up this season, the very best by any participant in a season since Second Spectrum started participant monitoring in 2013-14 (minimal 300 post-ups). Double The Joker in case you dare, however he’s all the time a step forward, rising that effectivity by practically 20% when he sees a double-team (1.54). That’s the very best by any participant in a season — by far — since 2013-14 (minimal 100 double-teams). — Vincent Johnson
4. LA Clippers
2020-21 report: 47-25
BPI odds vs. DAL: 64%
Vegas title odds: +500
The Clippers entered the season saying they had been motivated by their second-round bubble collapse. Paul George got here in decided to have a bounce-back season. Kawhi Leonard needed to be extra of a pacesetter. New coach Tyronn Lue was centered on studying from the Clippers’ errors of a season in the past. At their greatest, they’ve shot the three at a historic tempo, they’ve handed exquisitely and Leonard and George have regarded like a dominant duo. But as soon as once more, accidents have disrupted their chemistry and led to inconsistency and simply as many questions as final postseason.
Biggest concern alongside their playoff path
Yet once more, the Clippers discover themselves questioning whether or not they have constructed sufficient chemistry heading into the playoffs, as accidents have prevented them from enjoying at full power for a lot of the season. Perhaps even worse, the Clippers do not all the time deliver the main focus and look disinterested for stretches. (They misplaced to Dallas by 51 earlier this season.) Do they’ve sufficient management? Do they’ve a constant third choice to ease the burden on Leonard and George? Can their protection reside as much as huge expectations? And can their high-powered offense not stall out within the warmth of fourth quarters? The Clippers have a lot multiple concern in the meanwhile.
Matchup to look at in Round 1: Clippers’ protection vs. Luka Doncic
For the second straight postseason, the Clippers and Mavericks will sq. off, and there have been some tense moments between the 2 groups, particularly between Marcus Morris and Doncic. Despite shedding the season collection 2-1, the Clippers will enter this rematch assured after dealing with Dallas in six video games within the first spherical final yr. But the Clippers’ protection faces a extra skilled Doncic, who averaged 31.0 factors, 9.8 rebounds, 8.7 assists in that first spherical and delivered an incredible buzzer-beating step-back 3 to win Game 4 in additional time. Lue and affiliate head coach/defensive coordinator Dan Craig have per week to determine their Doncic defensive sport plan.
Their playoff ceiling is …
NBA champion. Despite their points, the Clippers possess all of the title substances: the star duo, the veteran depth, the teaching and championship expertise. When they’re locked in, nobody shoots the three higher as a group.
Fan attendance
The Clippers are permitted to permit 11% capability at Staples Center.
— Ohm Youngmisuk
One stat to look at
Leonard and George are each wholesome going into the playoffs, and that mixture dominated of their 43 video games performed collectively through the common season. The All-Star duo ranked first in offensive ranking (122.5) and true taking pictures share (64%) and second in web ranking (+17.6) amongst all two-man lineups with no less than 1,000 minutes. — Vincent Johnson
5. Dallas Mavericks
2020-21 report: 42-30
BPI odds vs. LAC: 36%
Vegas title odds: +5000
The Mavericks, who had been hit exhausting by COVID-19 early within the season, had been 5 video games beneath .500 in early February. Dallas has the NBA’s fifth-best profitable share (.673) since then, working its option to the center of the West playoff image. Luka Doncic has produced MVP-caliber numbers, becoming a member of Damian Lillard as the one gamers to rank among the many league’s prime 10 in scoring (27.7 factors per sport) and assists (8.6). Homegrown position gamers Jalen Brunson and Dorian Finney-Smith have developed into important components of the Mavs’ core. Dallas’ depth has helped the Mavs handle Kristaps Porzingis’ frequent unavailability as a consequence of accidents.
Biggest concern alongside their playoff path
Does Doncic have to hold an excessive amount of of the burden? Porzingis has had flashes of potential, however accidents and inconsistency have prevented him from proving himself able to being the secondary star on a authentic contender. With knee soreness sidelining him not too long ago, it is exhausting for the Mavs to depend on him performing within the playoffs. Dallas wants Tim Hardaway Jr. — thought-about a wage dump from the Knicks within the Porzingis deal — to proceed his scorching late-season taking pictures.
Matchup to look at in Round 1: Kristaps Porzingis vs. Clippers facilities
The largest query in regards to the Mavericks — quick and long run — is whether or not Porzingis may be the elite co-star crucial for Dallas to be a authentic championship menace. He performed properly in his abbreviated first style of the postseason final yr, averaging 23.7 factors on 52.5% taking pictures from the ground in three video games in opposition to the Clippers earlier than his meniscus damage sidelined him for the remainder of the collection. LA can power Porzingis to play on the perimeter defensively if it performs Serge Ibaka or a small lineup with Marcus Morris at middle.
Their playoff ceiling is …
Second-round exit. Doncic makes the Mavs harmful in any matchup, however any collection win they pull off within the West could be thought-about an upset. Dallas may trip a red-hot Doncic to a first-round shock. A second? Don’t depend on it.
Fan attendance
The Mavericks are permitted to permit 47% capability at American Airlines Center.
— Tim MacMahon
One stat to look at
Doncic has shaped a powerful partnership with Porzingis, particularly on decide performs. According to Second Spectrum, the Mavericks have averaged 1.18 factors per direct decide when Doncic is the ball handler and Porzingis is the screener. That is essentially the most environment friendly mixture within the league amongst duos to run 300 picks. — Matt Williams
6. Portland Trail Blazers
2020-21 report: 42-30
BPI odds vs. DEN: 52%
Vegas title odds: +5000
It was a rocky season for the Blazers, rising and falling within the West and, as is custom, coping with myriad accidents. They went months with out Jusuf Nurkic and CJ McCollum, pinning the burden on Damian Lillard’s shoulders, and he carried it brilliantly. That is, till he hit a wall and the Blazers went right into a droop. But Portland recorrected late and is again in place within the West.
Biggest concern alongside their playoff path
The bench. The Blazers adjusted their roster to deal with wing protection, however they nonetheless are searching for their greatest seven or eight gamers. Their bench has been spotty, with Enes Kanter and Carmelo Anthony’s minutes expectedly coinciding with dips on the defensive finish. But in addition they want to enhance non-Lillard minutes with offense. It’s been a problem for Portland all season to seek out secure rotations, and as they head into playoff basketball, coach Terry Stotts might want to discover his greatest lineups on the fly.
Matchup to look at in Round 1: Damian Lillard vs. Aaron Gordon
These groups know one another properly, having performed an epic seven-game collection simply two seasons in the past. It’ll look a bit of completely different this time round with some new faces and one main damage, one which for Denver — Jamal Murray — may play a important position. Gordon solidifies Denver’s defensive scheme, offering a extra versatile and athletic defender to develop pickup factors on Lillard. The Blazers’ postseason success is essentially pushed by the way in which Lillard can stretch and bend defenses along with his vary. The Nuggets have a brand new weapon to doubtlessly counter that.
Their playoff ceiling is …
A second-round exit. The Blazers won’t be betting favorites to make it out of the primary spherical, however Lillard & Co. by no means go simply. Playoff time is 48 minutes of Dame Time, and so long as Lillard is wholesome, the Blazers are harmful. Scoring an opening-round upset in one of the vital wide-open playoffs in years is actually doable.
Fan attendance
The Trail Blazers are permitted to permit 10% capability at Moda Center.
— Royce Young
One stat to look at
The much-maligned Trail Blazers protection completed the common season twenty ninth in defensive ranking, changing into simply the third group to make the playoffs after rating within the backside two over the previous 25 seasons. (The 2017-18 Cavaliers and 2002-03 Bucks are the others.) But Portland locked in to complete the season, ending twelfth since April 27. In that span, the Blazers held opponents to a league-low 1.06 factors per possession in transition, in line with Second Spectrum. — Vincent Johnson
West play-in event
7. Los Angeles Lakers
2020-21 report: 42-30
BPI odds vs. GS: 59%
Vegas title odds: +450
The Lakers had only a 71-day offseason to get pleasure from their 2020 NBA championship earlier than the league launched into its shortened 72-game season. Despite the quick respite, LeBron James was shot out of a cannon to start his 18th season, as L.A. stayed close to the highest of the Western Conference standings by way of the primary half of the schedule and James garnered MVP buzz. Then the season went off the rails. Anthony Davis suffered a calf pressure and Achilles tendinosis in his proper leg that sidelined him for 9 weeks. James had Solomon Hill dive on his proper leg, inflicting a excessive ankle sprain that saved him out for six weeks. Contract extension talks broke down between the group and Dennis Schroder, and L.A. tried to commerce him for Kyle Lowry. After the commerce fell by way of, Schroder entered the league’s well being and security protocols in any case opportune time with the Lakers preventing for playoff seeding down the stretch.
Biggest concern alongside their playoff path
Besides the apparent potential pitfall of James or Anthony aggravating their accidents, the Lakers’ 3-point taking pictures has been unreliable this season. Ranked simply twenty fifth in 3s made per sport and twenty first in group 3-point share, L.A. has been downright pedestrian when its photographs aren’t falling, going 12-11 when the group makes fewer than 10 3-pointers. When the group has a rhythm from the surface, it performs much better — 30-19 when connecting on 10 3-pointers or extra. In different phrases, guys like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Wesley Matthews and Ben McLemore could possibly be the true difference-makers for the weak defending champs.
LeBron James explains why he believes Steph Curry ought to simply be the NBA’s MVP.
Matchup to look at in Round 1: LeBron James vs. Stephen Curry
This matchup options the 2 most impactful gamers to come back by way of the league prior to now 15 years. The final time James and Curry met in a winner-take-all state of affairs — Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals — a whopping 30.8 million viewers tuned in. Curry is coming off a stellar season by which he gained the NBA scoring title (31.8 PPG) whereas James missed 22 of the Lakers’ ultimate 26 video games due to a excessive ankle sprain. Is L.A. ripe for an upset?
Their playoff ceiling is …
NBA champion, however this designation comes with a heavy caveat. You can by no means depend out a LeBron James group — the previous 9 occasions he was within the postseason, his group made it to the NBA Finals. On the opposite hand, he has by no means missed as many video games in a season as he has this marketing campaign, and at 36, he will not be capable to put his group on his again perpetually.
Fan attendance
The Lakers are permitted to permit 11% capability at Staples Center.
— Dave McMenamin
One stat to look at
The Lakers could possibly be essentially the most harmful 7-seed since seeding started in 1984. Historically, 7- and 8-seeds haven’t fared properly within the playoffs. Since 1984, solely the 1998-99 Knicks and 1986-87 SuperSonics have reached the convention finals, with solely New York reaching the Finals in a lockout-shortened season. If James and Davis are wholesome, the Lakers may make an analogous run; they’re 19-8 when each stars are within the lineup. — Matt Williams
8. Golden State Warriors
2020-21 report: 39-33
BPI odds vs. LAL: 41%
Vegas title odds: +10000
The one fixed for the ever-inconsistent Warriors has been the brilliance of Stephen Curry. The two-time MVP carried the Warriors by way of quite a few stretches offensively whereas reminding the remainder of the league that he stays arguably essentially the most harmful offensive participant in basketball. Draymond Green proved that he can nonetheless play at a excessive stage, and Andrew Wiggins performed among the most constant protection of his profession throughout his first full season within the Bay Area. The main draw back of the Warriors’ season was the shortage of growth from No. 2 total decide James Wiseman, who confirmed flashes of promise however struggled with consistency earlier than a knee damage ended his season in early April.
Biggest concern alongside their playoff path
The Warriors’ beginning 5 of Kevon Looney, Kent Bazemore, Wiggins, Green and Curry has discovered a rhythm during the last month. The challenge is the shortage of depth behind them. With the accidents to Kelly Oubre Jr. (wrist), Eric Paschall (hip flexor) Damion Lee (COVID-19 protocols) and Wiseman, the Warriors cannot depend on the kind of depth that each robust playoff group wants.
Matchup to look at within the play-in: Wiggins vs. LeBron
From the second Wiggins was acquired final season from Minnesota, the Warriors had been assured they may assist the younger swingman change the narrative surrounding his profession. A yr later, Wiggins has rewarded the group’s religion in him by enjoying one of the vital constant seasons of his profession. Wiggins has all the time been capable of rating, however the distinction in his sport is his reliability on the defensive finish. He comes into Wednesday’s sport in opposition to LeBron and the Lakers having scored 73 factors in his previous three video games and will probably be counted on to maintain up the defensive depth throughout one among his greatest stretches of the season.
Their playoff ceiling is …
An early problem for a contender. If Curry will get sizzling, something actually is feasible for the Warriors even of their depleted state — however with the uncertainties surrounding the again finish of the roster, it will likely be powerful to string collectively 4 wins in opposition to the most effective groups within the West. As nice as Curry is, he cannot carry a group out of the primary spherical with out a little extra assist.
Fan attendance
The Warriors are permitted to permit 35% capability at Chase Center.
— Nick Friedell
One stat to look at
Curry has grabbed the headlines, however Green has performed a significant position for the Warriors. According to Second Spectrum, Green leads the NBA in area purpose share allowed on the rim this season (minimal 200 area targets defended). Plus, he has assisted to Curry 194 occasions, together with on 110 3-pointers, essentially the most of any passer-scorer mixture. — Matt Williams
9. Memphis Grizzlies
2020-21 report: 38-34
BPI odds vs. SA: 59%
Vegas title odds: +30000
The Grizzlies improved from final season regardless of franchise cornerstone Jaren Jackson Jr. sitting out till late April whereas recovering from meniscus surgical procedure. The highlight in Memphis all the time shines on second-year level guard Ja Morant, a rising star with a aptitude for the spectacular. However, an argument may be made that middle Jonas Valanciunas was the Grizzlies’ MVP through the common season. He averaged 17.1 factors per sport whereas rating third within the league in rebounding (12.5) and double-doubles (49).
Biggest concern alongside their playoff path
Memphis, a franchise many anticipated could be within the early phases of an extended rebuilding course of at this level, simply is not able to compete in opposition to the league’s elite. The Grizzlies had been 15-23 in opposition to .500 and above groups. They went 2-10 in opposition to the West’s prime 4 seeds.
Matchup to look at within the play-in: Ja Morant vs. Dejounte Murray
Murray is on the quick checklist of level guards who possess the bodily expertise and defensive credentials to doubtlessly decelerate the 2019-20 Rookie of the Year. But that wasn’t the way in which it performed out through the common season, when Morant averaged 25.3 factors and 9.3 assists in three conferences with the Spurs, all within the first six weeks of the season. Since then, the Spurs have switched to Jakob Poeltl, placing an elite rim protector behind Murray.
Their playoff ceiling is …
First-round fodder. While something can occur within the truncated play-in format, the Grizzlies’ season possible ends there for the second consecutive yr.
Fan attendance
The Grizzlies are permitted to permit 20% capability at FedExForum.
— Tim MacMahon
One stat to look at
The Grizzlies have dominated close to the basket this season, main the NBA in paint factors per sport and second-chance factors per sport. They are the fourth group over the previous 25 seasons to guide the league in each throughout the identical season. The final group to do it was the 2012-13 Nuggets, who entered the playoffs because the 3-seed that season. — Matt Williams
10. San Antonio Spurs
2020-21 report: 33-39
BPI odds vs. MEM: 41%
Vegas title odds: +30000
The Spurs’ season featured hurdles at seemingly each flip. They had a battle with COVID-19 that worn out per week and backloaded their second-half schedule. LaMarcus Aldridge was finally launched. They’ve began 13 gamers and used 14 beginning lineups within the shortened season. They misplaced 10 of 12 since Derrick White went down with an ankle damage however nonetheless managed to make the play-in sport, as they appear to start a brand new streak of playoff appearances.
Biggest concern alongside their playoff path
The compacted schedule took its toll on the Spurs within the latter a part of the season. It additionally did not assist that White hasn’t been within the lineup since April 26 and is out for the season. But their largest concern within the playoffs will probably be their 3-point taking pictures. San Antonio is twenty ninth in made 3s per sport and twenty third in 3-point share. They can have good taking pictures video games — they hit 17 treys on May 10 in opposition to Milwaukee — however as a rule, the photographs have not been falling.
Matchup to look at within the play-in: Battle of the benches
It’ll be a showdown between two of the higher bench items within the league when Memphis and San Antonio sq. off. Memphis’ bench averages 39.5 factors per sport this season — fourth greatest within the league — whereas the Spurs’ second unit averages 38.7 factors, which is tied for sixth greatest. And whereas the Spurs’ starters have averaged a league-worst 4.7 3-pointers a sport, the bench averages 5.4 3s an evening, which is fourth greatest within the league.
Their playoff ceiling is …
First-round fodder. If the Spurs can get out of the play-in event, they’re going to run into the West’s prime seed. It’s been a tough go for San Antonio this season, and it is exhausting to see a state of affairs the place the Spurs make it out of the primary spherical.
Fan attendance
The Spurs are permitted to permit 17% capability at AT&T Center.
— Andrew Lopez
One stat to look at
After lacking the postseason for the primary time since 1996-97, the Spurs might want to win twice within the play-in event to return. They are led by Gregg Popovich, who has made the playoffs 22 occasions, tied with George Karl for essentially the most by a head coach in NBA historical past. Plus, the Spurs have by no means missed the playoffs in consecutive seasons. As for this season’s group, it is among the greatest at holding on to the basketball. The Spurs rank second in each turnovers per sport and assist-to-turnover ratio. — Matt Williams
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