Turning the calendar to March means the NBA stretch run is underway. With a little bit greater than a month till the tip of the common season, there are nonetheless essential inquiries to reply in regards to the high title contenders in addition to groups aspiring to deep playoff runs and people hoping to easily crash the get together by the play-in event.
On the high finish, the Boston Celtics will give attention to bringing a record-extending nineteenth championship banner to TD Backyard, however the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder wish to convert the highest spots of their respective conferences right into a run just like the Celtics made throughout the 2024 playoffs.
A tier beneath, 4 groups — the 2023 NBA champion Denver Nuggets, star-studded Los Angeles Lakers, deep Memphis Grizzlies and loaded-up New York Knicks — try to show they belong within the interior circle of title contenders. These three Western Convention groups are jockeying for the No. 2 seed within the playoffs and home-court benefit for not less than two rounds.
As normal, the remainder of the playoff race out West is as crowded as rush-hour site visitors. 5 groups are separated by a single sport within the standings from sixth place (at the moment the Golden State Warriors) to tenth (Dallas Mavericks). A type of 5 will advance on to the playoffs because the sixth seed, whereas the opposite 4 doubtless will battle it out for the ultimate two spots within the play-in event.
There is a larger divide between the highest six within the East and the potential play-in groups, particularly for the fourth spot. The Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks are all competing for the No. 4 seed and home-court benefit within the first spherical.
Utilizing on-the-ground reporting and evaluation, ESPN’s crew of specialists break down the most important questions for the entire postseason contenders as they start to sit up for the playoffs and past. — Kevin Pelton
Japanese Convention
No. 1 and No. 2 seeds
Did the Cleveland Cavaliers do sufficient on the commerce deadline to offer themselves an actual shot at getting previous Boston within the playoffs?
They might not be favored in a collection in opposition to Boston, however the Cavaliers proved they’ve made up important floor following final week’s highway victory versus the Celtics. De’Andre Hunter is a whopping plus-67 in his eight video games as a Cav, and he demonstrated on Friday he can play efficient situational protection in opposition to Boston’s Jayson Tatum. There isn’t any option to shut Tatum down, however Hunter has performed a whole lot of possessions in opposition to Tatum in his profession and held him to beneath 40% capturing. The Cavs are firmly in management to earn home-court benefit, which could not fear the Celtics, who’re the perfect highway crew within the NBA. It may, nevertheless, show comforting to the Cavs in getting to start out a collection at residence. — Brian Windhorst
At 7.5 video games behind the Cavs, will the Boston Celtics (who’ve one of many best remaining schedules) make a push for the No. 1 spot?
The main target in Boston goes to be on one factor alone: attending to the playoffs wholesome and at full energy. The Celtics aren’t apprehensive about occurring the highway to face the Cavaliers in a possible Japanese Convention finals. Keep in mind, it is a Boston crew that has gained a Recreation 7 on the highway to make it to the NBA Finals (in 2022, in opposition to a Jimmy Butler III-led Miami Warmth squad), and one which has as a lot postseason expertise as any present NBA crew.
Would the Celtics like to catch Cleveland? Certain, any crew would favor to be the highest seed. However Boston is unlikely to sacrifice its playoff preparation to attempt to pursue that. — Tim Bontemps
2:20
Cavs stun Celtics behind Mitchell’s 41-point efficiency
Donovan Mitchell drops 41 factors to rally the Cavaliers again from a 20-point deficit in opposition to the Celtics.
No. 3, 4, 5 and 6 seeds
How do the New York Knicks put themselves within the dialog alongside the Celtics and Cavs?
It is not rocket science: New York must defend at a far larger stage — one befitting of a Tom Thibodeau-coached membership — to face any likelihood in opposition to Cleveland or Boston within the playoffs. However for a number of causes, that doubtless is not a change that may simply be flipped at this level — primarily as a result of the starters have performed longer minutes than every other crew’s, elevating the query of whether or not they have the next stage left for the postseason.
New York ranks nineteenth general on protection however a dismal twenty ninth (behind the Toronto Raptors) when defending top-10 offenses, per ESPN Analysis. No crew has surrendered the next 3-point mark than the Knicks; that presents an enormous drawback in opposition to the Celtics and Cavs, who boast the best and fourth-highest try charges, respectively. Much less drop protection is one potential repair, and having heart Mitchell Robinson again from his season-long absence clearly helps. However different adjustments determine to be mandatory to shut the massive hole we have seen all season between the Knicks and the 2 groups forward of them. — Chris Herring
How do the Milwaukee Bucks keep away from final season’s early exit?
Milwaukee’s easiest resolution to attempt to enhance its fortune after back-to-back first spherical playoff exits: Ensure that Giannis Antetokounmpo is wholesome. He didn’t play a minute throughout the 2024 playoff collection in opposition to Indiana and was restricted by an damage throughout the 2023 first-round loss to Miami. Antetokounmpo has tried to place much less stress on his physique this season by barely altering his model of play, and the Bucks consider it’s going to assist hold him more healthy in the long term and provides the crew its first likelihood to see the Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard collectively for a playoff collection. The duo has been productive on the court docket collectively this season, with a web ranking of plus-5.2, however the Bucks are betting they will attain one other stage within the playoffs. — Jamal Collier
What’s going to it take for the Indiana Pacers to make one other deep postseason run this season?
Higher protection, actually. We all know Indiana can rating, notably when Tyrese Haliburton is aggressive and scoring at a excessive stage the way in which he has been doing recently (averaging 23.2 factors because the All-Star break). The query for Indiana is mostly on the opposite finish, the place it ranks within the league’s backside third. Can coach Rick Carlisle push the proper buttons by way of when and the way the Pacers make the most of their zone protection? Can Andrew Nembhard throw off opposing ball handlers by urgent full-court, just like the Pacers did after they sprung the technique on the first-place Cavs in January for a come-from-behind win? Given their less-than-stellar rebounding and fouling metrics, the Pacers doubtless want to search out one thing they will sometimes hold their hat on defensively in the event that they wish to make one other deep postseason run. — Herring
Making the playoffs looks as if a given, however can the Detroit Pistons win a collection for the primary time since 2008?
The Pistons have already got had a profitable season, so why not get grasping. Due to the futility of the Japanese Convention, Detroit’s spot within the high six is all however secured. But when the Pistons can begin stacking up some wins down the stretch (it has been some time since anybody has typed that), they might place themselves for both the No. 4 or No. 5 seed and face a crew similar to Indiana for an opportunity at an upset. First-time All-Star Cade Cunningham is having a season worthy of creating All-NBA, and Detroit has discovered a method with him enjoying effectively surrounded by succesful veterans. With the proper matchup, the Pistons may very well be a harmful playoff crew with nothing to lose. — Collier
Play-in: Miami Warmth, Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls
Which of the 4 present play-in groups has the perfect shot at a postseason run?
None of those 4 groups goes to attain very a lot, as all of them rank within the backside half of the league in offensive effectivity. However not less than the Magic can forestall their opponents from scoring. Orlando has the second-best defensive ranking within the league and due to this fact has the perfect likelihood of slowing the high-powered offenses of the Cavaliers or the Celtics within the first spherical. The Magic even have the brightest star energy within the East’s play-in image, as each Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner have the potential to take over a playoff sport.
Granted, Banchero has struggled since coming back from an indirect tear, and the Magic rank twenty eighth in offense, forward of solely the lowly Charlotte Hornets and Washington Wizards. However after the commerce deadline, the Hawks (who traded De’Andre Hunter and misplaced Jalen Johnson to a season-ending damage), Warmth (who traded Jimmy Butler III) and Bulls (who traded Zach LaVine) all have very low ceilings, whereas the Magic can not less than ascend in principle. We have nonetheless scarcely seen what the full-strength model of this roster can do, as Banchero, Wagner and Jalen Suggs — now out indefinitely on account of left knee surgical procedure — have shared the court docket for less than six video games this season. — Zach Kram
Lacking the playoffs
Are the Philadelphia 76ers headed for a shake-up after a disappointing season?
That is one of many large questions remaining throughout the league. Joel Embiid has been shut down for the season on account of ongoing points along with his left knee, and Paul George may very well be following shut behind. The 76ers, having entered the marketing campaign with championship aspirations, are actually attempting to hold onto their top-six protected first-round choose on this 12 months’s draft. It’s a staggering flip of occasions. All questions across the 76ers, nevertheless, come again to at least one matter: Embiid and his well being shifting ahead. The one fixed across the 76ers for the higher a part of the previous decade has been that every time the famous person heart has been on the court docket, the crew performs at a distinct stage. This season was the primary time these two issues have not occurred. It doesn’t matter what different selections are made in Philadelphia shifting ahead, determining what the trail again to creating these issues a actuality once more — if one exists — is the one factor that really issues. — Bontemps
Western Convention
Will the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder take their two-big lineup into the playoffs?
Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein determine prominently into the Thunder’s playoff plans, nevertheless it stays to be decided whether or not Oklahoma Metropolis will make the most of the 2 large males as starters alongside one another. That may very well be a series-to-series resolution primarily based on matchups or perhaps a mid-series adjustment. The Thunder have outscored opponents by 20 factors in 97 minutes with Holmgren and Hartenstein on the court docket collectively. It is a very small pattern measurement, however the duo has a surprisingly poor defensive ranking (116.5).
For the primary time when each bigs have been obtainable, coach Mark Daigneault opted to carry Hartenstein off the bench throughout Friday’s win over the Hawks. “That was like a three-second dialog,” Daigneault informed reporters of his speak with Hartenstein, who recorded a double-double in 27 minutes. — Tim MacMahon
No. 2 to five seeds
How has the Los Angeles Lakers‘ protection thrived after the Anthony Davis commerce and is it sustainable?
After a win final week on the Portland Path Blazers, Lakers coach JJ Reddick detailed that he had been struck by a “revelation” earlier within the season. “There’s really just one cheat code within the NBA, and that is enjoying arduous,” Redick mentioned within the midst of his crew successful 16 out of 19 video games since late January to surge up the standings. The trouble has been the gas to the Lakers’ revamped protection, however the personnel change can’t be missed. Davis was the crew’s greatest defender, however the addition of Dorian Finney-Smith and the contributions from Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt — each lastly wholesome — have given the Lakers’ protection a continuing wave of ball stress to disrupt opposing offenses.
Add within the aggressive spirit shared by LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, and it is a cohesive defensive group evening to nighttime. “LeBron’s enjoying at an All-NBA protection stage,” Redick mentioned. “There isn’t any conservation of power [from James] on that finish of the ground.” The largest query is that if this crew may very well be peaking too quickly: Does it have sufficient depth to get by the common season with out burning out the 40-year-old James for an prolonged postseason run? — Dave McMenamin
2:33
Windy: Lakers successful in a manner that is ‘really sustainable’
Brian Windhorst joins “Get Up” to disclose why the Lakers have been successful video games in a sustainable manner this season.
What’s behind the Denver Nuggets‘ quiet ascension within the West and can it carry into the playoffs?
Jamal Murray has been the most important distinction between the Nuggets’ comparatively sluggish begin and their success because the first quarter of the season. Murray averaged 17.8 factors whereas capturing 42.0% from the ground and 33.3% from 3-point vary throughout Denver’s 11-10 begin. His numbers since then: 23.8 factors per sport, 49.8% from the ground, 43.2% from deep. Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic‘s dominance offers Denver an opportunity to contend for a championship, however the Nuggets want Murray to function a co-star. Murray has a historical past of assembly the second within the playoffs, averaging 24.2 factors and 6.2 assists in 65 profession postseason video games, stats which might be important upgrades from his regular-season manufacturing (17 PPG and 4.6 APG). — MacMahon
Are the Memphis Grizzlies lastly able to take a severe postseason step ahead?
Common supervisor Zach Kleiman by no means had an issue with the crew’s boisterous swagger as long as the gamers may again it up on the ground. That did not occur final season for a wide range of causes, together with Ja Morant‘s suspension and subsequent season-ending damage. Memphis mirrored on that tough marketing campaign, wherein Jaren Jackson Jr. emerged as a vibrant spot, and entered this season with a newfound maturity and sense of urgency — highlighted by Jackson’s second All-Star look. The membership additionally put in a brand new offense. Will that be sufficient? It must be.
One concern, although, is that Memphis plans to lean on rookies Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells to play important minutes within the postseason. It is a state of affairs already being monitored by the brass because the common season winds down. Coach Taylor Jenkins mentioned his crew will likely be ready to regulate accordingly. — Michael C. Wright
Do the Houston Rockets have sufficient scoring choices for a deep playoff run?
Amen Thompson emerged as an offensive playmaker throughout Fred VanVleet‘s 11-game absence, a lot in order that the second-year guard remained within the beginning lineup when VanVleet returned. That provides Houston two ball handlers able to scoring and facilitating the offense for main scorers Jalen Inexperienced and Alperen Sengun. VanVleet’s sprained ankle and overlapping long-term accidents to Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason wreaked havoc on Houston’s scoring punch this season, however every of them is totally wholesome once more for the primary time since December.
The Rockets aren’t very good offensively — rating fifteenth in offensive ranking (113.5) — however they’re a top-five defensive crew and can enhance offensively down the stretch now that the membership is lastly complete once more. Nonetheless, it is unlikely the Rockets will be capable to sustain within the West in opposition to high-scoring squads similar to Denver, Oklahoma Metropolis and Memphis. — Wright
Nos. 6 to 10: play-in groups
What’s the Golden State Warriors‘ ceiling after including Jimmy Butler on the commerce deadline?
Draymond Inexperienced has mentioned the ceiling for the Warriors is a fifth championship for him, Stephen Curry and coach Steve Kerr. That’s how a lot the Warriors have been revitalized by Butler, going 8-1 because the commerce. Butler has injected the crew with perception and swagger, with Kerr calling him the “connector” the crew has wanted all season. His model of play has match completely alongside Curry and Inexperienced. Although Butler remains to be beneath his profession common in factors per sport, he supplies Curry with a confirmed playoff performer and scorer when the sport’s best shooter is double-teamed. Butler can get to the free throw line, and his potential to make the additional cross has unlocked perimeter offense for the likes of Brandin Podziemski, Buddy Hield, Moses Moody and Quinten Put up. Curry informed ESPN earlier than the commerce that the Warriors consider they will beat anybody in a seven-game collection on account of their championship pedigree and expertise. Add Playoff Jimmy and the Warriors really feel they will shock individuals maybe with one other title run just like the one in 2022. — Ohm Youngmisuk
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Why Warriors’ confidence is sky excessive with Jimmy Butler
Ohm Youngmisuk breaks down the Warriors’ newfound power since buying Jimmy Butler.
Do the LA Clippers have sufficient to get out of the primary spherical for the primary time since 2021?
If the Clippers can hold their starters wholesome, they’ve an opportunity to get out of the primary spherical. The issue isn’t solely Kawhi Leonard‘s unpredictable well being; James Harden is starting to indicate indicators of fatigue after carrying a lot of the early-season load whereas Leonard returned from his offseason knee points. Norman Powell, who has been having a profession season, has been coping with accidents because the All-Star break.
The Clips proceed enjoying elite protection (third general) beneath coach Ty Lue and first-year assistant Jeff Van Gundy. When he is wholesome, Leonard is without doubt one of the all-time nice playoff performers. Harden’s early-season performances earned him an eleventh All-Star look, and Powell had a case for what would have been his first look. Ivica Zubac additionally has develop into an inside pressure, averaging his first profession double-double. And the midseason additions of Bogdan Bogdanovic and Ben Simmons bolster the second unit with perimeter capturing and protection. — Youngmisuk
Why have not the Minnesota Timberwolves been capable of break by this season?
It has been a season of adjustment and frustration after the Timberwolves, recent off a Western Convention finals look, traded All-Star large man Karl-Anthony Cities days earlier than coaching camp. Minnesota has struggled at occasions to determine match points with Julius Randle, the headliner of the return for Cities, as Randle and star guard Anthony Edwards each tend to pound the dribble. However Minnesota’s greatest drawback has been defending late leads. Edwards, who remains to be within the early phases of his growth at age 23, typically falls into unhealthy habits of enjoying hero ball down the stretch of video games. He’s capturing 39.8% from the ground in clutch conditions, when the Wolves have been outscored by 48 factors in his 117 minutes. — MacMahon
What’s at stake if the Dallas Mavericks do not attain the playoff this season?
The Mavericks took an enormous danger by buying and selling Luka Doncic, a generational expertise who has but to hit what must be his prime years, solely months faraway from a visit to the NBA Finals. The deal deeply wounded the soul of a fan base that hoped and believed that Doncic’s total profession would play out in Dallas, similar to his predecessor Dirk Nowitzki. A collection of PR errors within the wake of essentially the most surprising commerce in NBA historical past solely made issues worse. Failure to make the playoffs, particularly if the Lakers go on a run, may create the form of apathy that Mavs followers have not felt because the Nineties, when the franchise was a league laughingstock. New crew governor Patrick Dumont has voiced sturdy assist of GM Nico Harrison, tuning out the frequent “Fireplace Nico” cries from followers. — MacMahon
Are DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine as soon as once more doomed to the play-in with the Sacramento Kings?
DeRozan is third all time in profession play-in scoring, having appeared in 5 video games, 4 of them as LaVine’s teammate with the Chicago Bulls. (LaVine missed final 12 months’s play-in on account of damage.) Now that each of them are in Sacramento, the highway to the playoffs nonetheless appears headed by the play-in event. The Kings are in the course of a five-team race for the No. 6 seed and a assured playoff spot. However with the weakest level differential on this group (+1.5) and the toughest remaining schedule, in response to ESPN’s Basketball Energy Index, the BPI projections have them within the play-in 87% of the time.
Oh, and the all-time main play-in scorer? It is new Sacramento heart Jonas Valanciunas, who has appeared within the play-in with the Grizzlies and the New Orleans Pelicans all 5 years it has existed and is on monitor to make it six straight. — Pelton
At risk of lacking the playoffs
How does the rest of the season affect Kevin Durant‘s future with the Phoenix Suns?
It doubtless would not. You’d by no means rule something out within the NBA, nevertheless it additionally is obvious that each the Suns and Durant are considering a future aside. The Suns have a failing and vastly costly large three, and that is untenable within the apron period. Durant, Bradley Beal and Devin Booker will make a mixed $150 million subsequent season, the most costly trio within the league, they usually’re not working collectively. Beal has a no-trade clause, and he made it very clear he would not intend to waive it. Booker is deemed untouchable and would not wish to go away. That leaves the choices as establishment or buying and selling Durant as a part of a roster restructuring. The established order is unacceptable, so that you begin to see how this commerce Durant actuality comes into focus. The Suns apparently already got here to this conclusion as a result of they’d talks with a number of groups about shifting Durant on the deadline. The circumstances in Phoenix have solely deteriorated since. — Windhorst
