2022 NBA Playoffs Teams- Ranked
As of April 5, 2022
- Phoenix Suns
Somehow Phoenix made it through this year being underrated the entire time. I’m a Bucks fan and I still think Phoenix is the title favorite.They’re on pace to win 65 games. 65 GAMES!!! If this was the Lakers, the whole world would be cumming at the same time. First Take would spend 40 minutes of every show in a jerk circle about Lebron James’ resurgence and his never-ending brilliance. Instead, it’s like yeah- Booker is great.
2. Bucks
Hometown bias here. But also where they actually are. If it’s Bucks-Suns in the Finals again- I’m taking Milwaukee. With Lopez back and Ibaka behind him; the Bucks have frontcourt depth. Our only weakness will be defending wings. I don’t see that being a problem in the East. Giannis can clamp anyone he chooses to. Jrue Holiday can also do the same. The issue is with somebody like Miami (long the Bucks kryptonite) How do they match-up with Lowry, Herro, Duncan Robinson, Adebayo and Jimmy Buckets? Not well.
3. Nets
Still the betting favorite in the East somehow. They could literally lose in the play-in. Kevin Durant. This team is very average without him. With him, they become maybe the best team in the East. Rewind one year ago and if you watched the Eastern Conference Semis, you know that Kevin Durant is the best player in the world and it’s not particularly close. I’m a Bucks fan! I love Giannis, I have three Giannis jerseys. But down the stretch, Durant is by far the best finisher in the league. He can make any shot he wants to. I’m scared.
4. Warriors
The Warriors are good- shut the fuck up. Remember when they won 73 games without Kevin Durant? Fuck you bitch.
5. 76ers
All depends on Harden. If he’s 85% of his best, they probably win the East. He has not been that lately. Without Seth Curry, their offense is stagnant. If Harden can nut up and find his old burst, they’re the favorite. Big if.
6. Celtics
Robert Williams. If he’s healthy, the Celtics are right at the top of the Eastern Conference. Their defense is nothing without TimeLord. Offense is a little one-dimensional with Tatum. Tatum is my pick for MVP in 2023.
7. Heat
This is a better team than the one that made the Finals in the Bubble. Lowry is an old fuck and Butler is getting there. I don’t trust them. If they made the Finals it also wouldn’t be shocking. Heat culture baby. Let’s see how it serves them when they run into Kevin Durant in Round One.
8. Grizzlies
We have now exited realistic territory for a title winner. The Grizzlies are fine. It’s too soon. I want them to win! I really do. But Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson are 22. What were you thinking about when you were 22? Ja Morant probably thinks about what girl he’s going to text every night, just like every other 22 year old guy! As much as I want to see Ja stuff his cock into some guys face on a dunk again, it’s just too soon.
9. Mavericks
Luka. He’s close to Durant in terms of shotmaking but is a much better playmaker. If they can find a way to defend Phoenix and make them slow down and clog up- Luka could play the alpha card and bone the Suns.
10. Nuggets
Depends on Jamal Murray and MPJ. If somehow, they’re both at 100% for the playoffs, then the Nuggets become the second best team in the West. That’s not happening. Best case scenario is that those two guys play minor roles in the first round and Jokic finds a way to somehow get past Dallas or whoever they’ll play in the first round. Maybe in three weeks the threesome will be ready.
11. Bulls
Yawn. Let me know when they have any form of rim protection. They’ll lose in the first round.
12. Jazz
I honestly think the Jazz have a shot. A very small one. They were the best team in the West last year and much of that roster remains. If Gobert can stay on the floor, Mitchell and Conley can hunt mismatches and turn any series into a grind-it-out, back-and-forth match. When Mitchell goes into the tunnel after another first round exit although, it’ll be the last time we see him in a Jazz jersey. He’ll be in Memphis next year to win a championship. (OOoOOOOOO, AaaaAAAHHHhHHhHHh)
13. Hawks
Don’t forget, last year they were 2 games away from the Finals. Trae Young is still Trae Young. Maybe the rest of the supporting cast can get their shit together and hopefully make it to the first round.
14. Clippers
Paul George is back. Paul George is really good when he’s the best player on his team. He’s the most underrated player in the NBA to me. I know, Playoff P bullshit and all of that. But God, his game is so clean. Defensively and offensively, he’s just so beautiful to watch. Maybe Kawhi Leonard decides he wants to play again and they make a run. I was totally all aboard the Clippers train when they paired these two a few years back. Everyone forgot about them.
15. Wolves
No real chance to win a title here. D’Angelo Russell is gonna get fucking cooked in the playoffs. He stands no chance defensively. Teams will hunt him off the floor. Maybe Edwards takes a step. Other than that, a team that’s coming together.
16. Cavs
Great story. Not happening. Mobley and Garland are two years and another max guy away from being contenders.
17. Pelicans
If Zion is healthy they could win 2 games in the first round.
18. Raptors
Not a postseason team. No real weapons down the stretch. VanVleet is good, not great. Siakam can’t create shots when it matters.
19. Hornets
Maybe Lamelo takes his team out of the play-in? Not enough defense to make it any further.
20. Spurs
Thank God I don’t have to talk about how much of a failure the Lakers season has been. Pop with another nice coaching job.
