As the NBA season reaches its ultimate stretch, each workforce within the league is making an attempt to solidify their playoff spot, however there are matchups they might like to keep away from. For no less than one workforce within the playoffs, there may be all the time a squad that may strike worry into even probably the most proficient franchises.
Basketball-Reference’s playoff likelihood document determines the 16 groups that experience an excellent chance to make the playoffs. Based at the document, listed here are some nightmare matchups that groups would like to keep away from.
Eastern Conference
In the Eastern Conference of the NBA, there are a number of groups that stand out as robust contenders, however there are some nightmare matchups that they hope to keep away from. At the highest of the convention, the Milwaukee Bucks sit down in first position, however they are going to be cautious of taking part in the Philadelphia 76ers, who’ve led to them bother this season.
In the 4 video games the groups have performed, Philly has come away with two victories. The Boston Celtics are any other workforce to be careful for as they’ve defeated Milwaukee thrice this season. The Cleveland Cavaliers may also pose a problem for the Bucks as they’ve cut up the season collection with them, successful two video games and shedding two video games.
The fourth workforce within the East, the Philadelphia 76ers, have struggled towards the Celtics this season, shedding all 3 video games they have got performed towards them.
Despite Joel Embiid’s dominant performances, the Celtics’ robust protection has controlled to stay the 76ers at bay. Overall, those groups will want to carry their A-game in the event that they need to pop out on best within the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Western Conference
The Denver Nuggets are starting to distance themselves from the remainder of the pack within the Western Conference, with a seven-and-a-half-game lead over the No. 2-seeded Memphis Grizzlies. However, will have to the Nuggets face the Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns within the playoffs, they are going to face some severe demanding situations.
Even with the Nuggets’ 30-4 house file, they don’t seem to be secure from the Mavericks, who’ve taken two of the 4 video games between the groups this season. Luka Dončić’s 37-point effort used to be sufficient to defeat the Nuggets at house, and there is not any obvious solution to Dončić’s offense within the Nuggets’ roster.
As for the Suns, they’ve a wholesome Kevin Durant on their workforce now, and their 0-2 file towards the Nuggets, with a internet score of minus-15.2, displays that the Nuggets are a powerful opponent.
The Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings are suffering to stay alongside of the Nuggets, with their deficient season data and internet scores towards the Golden State Warriors and the Phoenix Suns, respectively.
The Grizzlies have best gained considered one of their remaining six conferences towards the Warriors and feature misplaced each video games towards the Suns this season, whilst the Kings have a shaky protection that ranks twenty eighth general because the starting of February, and it won’t be capable to tournament up towards the Suns’ offense.
As the playoffs manner, the Denver Nuggets will surely be the workforce to look at as they dominate the Western Conference because the No. 1 seeds.