How The NBA 2018 Playoffs Might Be Looking
Start writing a post
Sports

How The NBA 2018 Playoffs Might Be Looking

As another unique NBA season comes to an end, it's time to prepare for when things get interesting.

56
How The NBA 2018 Playoffs Might Be Looking
Youtube

As this 2017-18 NBA season comes near an end, we definitely realize how interesting of a season this has been -- from injuries to trades to seeds.

Seeding, especially, is one of the more surprising things to happen this season. For the first time, in the long time, neither the Golden State Warriors nor the Cleveland Cavaliers are at the top of their conferences.

The Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers have really brought their A-game to the court this time around.

James Harden and Chris Paul are balling out down in Houston, DeMar Derozan has been holding it down in the 6--as he has been--, Kyrie Irving has made his mark in Boston and the Sixers are just proving everyone wrong.

Of course, with their success, a lot sports analysts and reporters constantly question whether or not the Warriors and Cavaliers are losing their touch.

However, let's not focus on that--instead we'll take a look at things on the more positive side.

According to the Sporting News' AccuScore analysis, here's what they say:

Eastern Conference playoff picture
The East playoff field is almost set. The Pistons aren't mathematically eliminated yet after winning five straight games, but it's a case of too little, too late for Detroit.

The Raptors are currently the favorite to take top seed in the Eastern Conference over the Celtics with a two-game lead in the standings, but look out for the 76ers.

Philadelphia has found top form just before the playoffs with an 11-game winning streak, pushing the Sixers to fourth in the Eastern Conference. Based on simulations, they will stay in that position just behind the Cavs.

Western Conference playoff picture
There hasn't been a ton of movement since last week in the West. The teams that have been on track to reach to playoffs based on simulations — the Spurs, Thunder, Jazz, Timberwolves and Pelicans — still hold high probabilities for the postseason. Only New Orleans is sliding in terms of playoff security following a four-game losing streak. That could be trouble for Anthony Davis and the rest of the Pelicans.

The Clippers have notably improved their playoff odds. Los Angeles still has some control of its own destiny, as the Clippers will battle playoff teams in three of their final four games. Currently, they are just two games behind the Pelicans for the No. 8 seed in the West.

Denver has a chance to make serious progress as well. The Nuggets face the Timberwolves twice before the end of the season, and with only one game of separation between the two teams, those matchups could determine whether the Nuggets reach the playoffs for the first time since 2013. Simulations show Denver still has an uphill climb to reach the postseason.

The Rockets and Warriors have secured home-court advantage through the first two rounds of the playoffs. The Trail Blazers also locked up home-court advantage for the first round.

It appears the Spurs will be the fourth in the West and have home-court advantage in the first round. They are predicted to win 48 games by the end of the season, while the Thunder and Timberwolves are projected to hit 47 wins based on the latest simulations.

The playoffs begin April 14, so let's see where this takes us.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70800
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132415
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments