Playoff Heavy Hitters

�You don�t want none of this�

The playoffs picture is taking shape as Week 19 begins and the final week closes in. The race for the top spot in each conference is alive and there is plenty of potential playoff altering seed swaps on offer as we go down the stretch. That�s right, we�re ready for the biggest finish to any NSL season as the playoff picture becomes clear. Here are the NSL playoffs heavy hitters.

 

WESTERN CONFERENCE

1.       Portland (61-13)

The Blazers are the most feared team in the West and favourites for the chip. No doubt. GM Jmac continues to work the sticks to get the balance just right since his newly acquired superstar Kevin Durant arrived in town. Results show he�s getting close to finding balance but he can still get stars more involved, which is bloody scary. The Blazers can score quickly, have 2 top 15 players and are massive defensively with Whiteside and Drummond filling the lane. If they steal the top spot, the Blazers will have their brooms packed to gift their first-round opponent, and buy in bulk to hand out on the way to their redeeming title.  

2.       Memphis (57-15)

One of the most formidable teams post trade deadline, the Grizzlies are a feared playoff match up. GM Rootsy has a roster made for playoff basketball, high basketball IQ, scorers who can defend and big bodies both on the wings and in the paint. As they approach the final two weeks, Memphis will face big tests against some of the big hitters in the West. This should give GM Rootsy a good audition for the playoffs and allow him time to experiment and trial different rotations which will come in useful for their playoff run. They will come into the finals well-practised and ready to fire.

3.       Minnesota (59-15)

GMOTY favourite GM Ethan will tell you his team aren�t a shot against two teams in the West but behind closed doors he is simming 24/7. He wants a title, he needs a title and he might have the roster to do it. We all know he will find the right playbook for his dynamic lineup and when round 1 comes he will be looking to beat up anyone in his way. If the Timberwolves finish top 2 their odds for conference finals will go through the roof and NELSBET will be watching their run closely to bring the odds in as the picture becomes clearer. The Wolves only need a little fortune but they�ve punched their ticket and will be ready to fire come playoffs.

 

4.       Spurs (61-13)

Spurs will need some luck to go back to back. While their record suggests they�re one of the heavy hitters, health may play a big part on whether they�re able to put together a play-off team let alone a playoff run. If healthy, expect the Spurs continue giving Lebron and Jimmy the keys to the offence while Jrue, Melo and role players add little bits here and there. They were thoroughly outplayed by Portland in their last regular season blockbuster and will hopefully come prepared with new ideas to try and rectify the spanking they received from the title favourites. If they don�t give up walkovers, they could be in the mix.

 

Honourable Mentions:

LA Clippers (51-28)- Any team that will end up on 60 wins is hard done by to not be in the top four. Especially when they beat the hell out of the top side only two weeks ago. Clippers are zooming under the radar, they have a wonderful system and the best player in the game that can and exploit match ups in any position 1 through 5. They will give opposing GMs headaches and could take out the West if they find the formula.

New Orleans Pelicans (Play-in)- New Orleans could�ve dethroned the Spurs for 4^th spot if there weren�t so many question marks hanging over the health of their key players. Time Lord (Robert Williams) appears out for the first round while Ja Morant and John Collins both remain out. If they get everyone on the court and make it through the play-ins, look out.

Denver Nuggets (49-29)- They have Curry and Klay which means they will get hot. Michael Porter Jr is a big question mark after further injury set back, meaning they will likely start the playoffs with a big 2. They might be a touch shallow but opposition will be weary.

 

 

EASTERN CONFERENCE

1.       Charlotte (55-19)

This team will end up on 60+ wins and will likely be the first seed in the East, and yet the Hornets will begin the playoffs with minimal hype. Maybe even less than minimal. They have Luka Doncic who is on a tear in the NBA down the stretch, begging for a ratings boost and the rest of the Charlotte roster is expertly constructed around him. Why aren�t the fans making more noise for the Hornets? GM Craig has shown championship DNA and will work the controls as well as any opposing GM to give his squad the best possible chance at their first NSL title. He has height, shooting and basketball IQ in spades. Can someone please give this team some hype? 

 

2.       Detroit (51-22)

The Pistons have survived and thrived through Kyrie-gate and will likely begin playoffs with a healthy big three who will not be resting due to vaccination status. The fact that they�re not navigating Kyrie�s day-to-day resting means they might be the best team in the conference. They also might have the savviest GM in the conference as GM Sheed has Finals/Championship DNA. The Pistons will have something to prove after coming up short last year and will look to steamroll anyone in their path on their way to the NBA Finals. I�d hate to get them in any round, they�re likely the team to beat in the conference.

3.       Washington (52-21)

The Wizards are coming good down the stretch and their top young stars are no longer that, they�re now fully-fledged superstars. The Booker-Embiid duo is as good as any duo in the league and will pay GM Joshua back in spades for years and years and years. Could 2022 be the beginning of their Championship Dynasty? The Eastern Conference is heating up with multiple teams on the rise, if GM Josh can hit the sweet spot with the controls there won�t be many who can stop them on their way to the finals. Their fight with Detroit for the 2^nd seed will be one of the highlights of week 20 and will get one of the teams out of the path of the rejuvenating Raptors.

 

4.       Toronto (40-38)

Sitting just above .500, some people might be wondering why the Raps are so high on this list. The reason is simple, health. GM Dunne has assembled one of the most talented rosters in the league but was royally stooged by injury just before the trade deadline. All hope appeared lost until, out of nowhere, Paul George returns from injury. He now has the one-two punch of George-DeRozan back on the court and the NBA counterparts of Vanvleet, Boogie and Robin Lopez are finishing the season strongly. The Raptors sit on the verge of the play-in tournament as they�re tied with Cleveland and Chicago on record. If they finish week 20 with a bang, they should hold the 5^th or 6^th seed and look to create havoc in the Eastern Conference post season. Oh, also there�s an outside change Zion Williamson returns in the post season. Their ceiling has literally gone from play-in exit to potential champions. Buckle up Raptors fans.

 

Honourable Mentions:

Milwaukee Bucks (45-26)- I�m not sure what my read is on the Bucks. They�re a real blend of upside and experience but it might be next year when they take their swing. GM Dazman has done an excellent job of turning this tanking franchise into one to take notice of and will be desperate to keep them on the map with a strong playoff showing.

Cleveland Cavaliers (40-38)- Sitting on the verge of the play-ins, the Cavs could be an early exit or playoffs disruptor. GM Dylan will compete, he plays to win and has a roster that plays both ends of the floor. Their ceiling is capped unless Jarrett Allen returns but Horford and co are doing a terrific job at keeping the ship afloat in the absence of the DPOY candidate. Cavs fans will be praying for his return in the first round.

Boston Celtics (Likely miss play-in)- A controversial inclusion on this heavy hitters list but Boston really could be a dangerous play-in team that could upset a top seed. If they flick the switch from tanking to trying, there�s a big window for them to make a run this post season. Fans will be screaming for it after a couple of quiet years.