The All-Star Break is over, and the playoffs are near. Many teams are on the brink of trying to get into the playoff picture, while others are doing everything they can to keep from slipping out. Here is how I think the playoff picture will end.
We can start with the Western Conference.
There’s no doubt in my mind that the Golden State Warriors will finish on top with the Denver Nuggets right behind them as rank No. 2. Both teams are too strong to be any lower.
Following them in rank No. 3 will be the Oklahoma City Thunder. Some people may be in denial, but the Thunder’s new leader is Paul George and he will not let this team fall in the ranks. The recently named duo R-PG is here to win.
As per rank No. 4, this will go to the Houston Rockets as they are starting to find themselves with Chris Paul in the mix.
Rank No. 5 will be Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers. The Blazers are hot right now, but I don’t see them as the team that will finish strong. I believe this, simply because many of the remaining opponents are going to be playing for a chance to squeeze into the playoffs and will bring more intensity into each game.
Here comes the tough end of the playoff picture.
The San Antonio Spurs will move up in the ranks to secure rank No. 6, as the Utah Jazz will fall and finish at No. 7 due to their inconsistent play.
Now for rank No. 8, who will barely make their way into the playoffs?
Although analysts have counted them out, I believe the L.A. Lakers will make the playoffs. Wednesday’s performance showed that they are here to play, as I saw LeBron James play some real defense throughout the game.
Moving on to the Eastern Conference, the No. 1 spot is going to be the Milwaukee Bucks, followed by the Toronto Raptors. There is simply too big of a gap for any other team to take either of these spots.
Next up will be the Philadelphia 76ers. The new roster changes made this team iffy as of late, but they are finding themselves and will put up a good run to finish off the regular season.
The Indiana Pacers will take rank No. 4, because the team will have to adjust their play a little to try out new sets and substitutions to find the right mix heading into the playoffs.
Following the Pacers is the Boston Celtics at No. 5. The team has been struggling lately, but the gap between them and rank No. 6 is too large to overcome, so their spot is pretty much secured.
Rank No. 6 will be the Brooklyn Nets, who have been balling out throughout the season. They’ve found their rhythm and will finish the season strong to stay at their current rank.
The Orlando Magic will make a surprising push to take the No. 8 spot, but who will fall out of the picture?
Kemba Walker and the Charlette Hornets are out! The have just taken three straight losses and are coming up against a tough schedule to finish the season.
I wish I could see Dwyane Wade in the playoffs one last time, but this seems unlikely as the Detroit Pistons will be in that No. 7 spot at the end of the season.
That is who I believe will make the 2019 NBA Playoffs and where they will rank. The playoff picture will be almost exactly as I’ve shown, and you heard it here first; the Lakers will make the playoffs.
