Now that we are past the All-Star break we have an idea of which teams are contending or not contending across the NBA. Several teams have things they want improve on before the playoffs start but there are three teams I am most intrigued over the next few weeks. The Bucks, Knicks, and Pelicans are three talented teams that have the talent to make deep playoff runs and have had very interesting season thus far. I will break down why NBA fans should pay close attention to these teams and what issues they may need to overcome to maximize their chances for success this season.
The Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee has been one of the most perplexing teams in the NBA this season as they still appear to be a team figuring out their identity since the blockbuster trade for Damian Lillard. Since hiring Doc Rivers after firing Adrian Griffin despite having the second best in the east at the time they appear to have gotten even worse. In the 10 games with Doc as the head coach they are 3-7 and entered All-Star break on a two game losing streak with their latest loss arguably being their most disappointing all season. Despite having several of their star players injured and multiple players on 10 day or two way contracts playing heavy minutes the Grizzlies somehow defeated the Bucks 113-110. With the losses mounting and doubt increasing of the Bucks title hopes they will need get their issues sorted out fast.
Their primary issue this season has been defense that they will need to find a way to improve fast as they have one of toughest schedules remaining starting with a matchup against Minnesota. Fortunately, talent isn't their issue as the duo of Giannis and Damian is more than enough to carry them on the offensive end. If they can improve their defense I can still see them making it to the Eastern Conference Finals but that is a big if as their issues defensively will be hard to improve with the roster they have.
The New York Knicks
The good news for the Knicks this year is they have arguably the most talented roster they have had in a long time. However, the bad news is they have several injuries that could derail a team that has what could be considered the most talented roster in the East other than the Celtics. Their 2nd best player in Julius Randle is the biggest missing piece due to injury and his return could decide how far the Knicks can go come playoff time. Surgery is a possibility as his shoulder injury could require though Randle is hoping to return to the team as soon as possible. Other injuries are to their big man Mitchell Robinson and forward OG Anunoby who are very important to the team and are expected to return this season.
After a season high 9 game win streak, the Knicks lost five of their last 6 games heading into All-Star break and are just a half game above the Sixers who have the fifth seed in the East. The Knicks face off against the Sixers in their first game after All-Star break and will look to get back on track as they wait for some of their key pieces to return to the lineup. For now, they will rely heavily on their All-Star in Jalen Brunson who is having a great season and should get MVP consideration if he is able to keep the Knicks afloat despite their injury struggles. If the Knicks can get healthy I see them as the team with the second best odds to make the NBA Finals outside of the Celtics. Though it remains to be seen where they could fall in the standings depending on how long it takes for their players to return from injury.
The New Orleans Pelicans
This year, the Pelicans have flown under the radar despite all the talent on their roster especially considering their star in Zion Williamson is having an overall healthy season. Williamson is averaging 22.4 points per game while leading the the Pelicans to the sixth seed in the East while having the same record as the fifth seeded Suns. What makes the Pelicans an underrated team that I am watching closely is based off their talent and how they closed All-Star Break. New Orleans went into All-Star break as winners of seven of their last ten game including three straight wins. With their favorable schedule to start the second half of the season they have a great opportunity to rise up the standings.
Another factor of why I believe in the Pelicans is this could finally be the first Pelicans team to enter the playoffs with a healthy Zion. In year's past, Zion's injuries kept the Pelicans from being at full strength in the Western Conference playoffs or to even make the playoffs. Though I wouldn't pick them to make the conference since the top 2 of the top 4 teams are most likely to make it. However, the Pelicans are a young team that will be a tough out come playoff time and with a player of Zion's talent along with his supporting cast they could be a scary team to match up with. Outside of their talented roster they also have the eighth ranked defense in the NBA which would make them the third best defensive team in the West behind the Nuggets and Timberwolves. Due to this, the Pelicans are my most intriguing team right now and deserve more attention as we get closer to the NBA playoffs.
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