Discuss | playoffs approaching the strength rankings of 30 teams and the questions and expectations they face

This article is a translation of Sports Illustrated reporter Michael Shapiro, does not represent the views of the translator and the platform, and the relevant statistics in this article are due to March 22, 2022

Introduction: What are our expectations for each team as the playoffs approach?

With less than a month to go, the 2021-2022 regular season is coming to an end. Looking at the current situation of the various teams in the league, there has been a serious three-level differentiation.

The first is the team facing a rebuild, they have a large number of young players and are also seriously exercising them. This is followed by the top teams, which on the one hand want players to be able to stay healthy for the arrival of the playoffs. On the other hand, they also want to take a favorable position in the first round. Finally, there are the teams in the middle, who are not ranked up and down, and all have a chance to enter the playoffs. According to the current situation, the competition between this part of the team is also the most intense. As a result, in the coming weeks, the game is likely to be more exciting than it was in the previous period.

So, what should we expect from these teams? As the playoffs approached, we had discussions about each team's issues, hoping to inspire you a little bit.

1. Phoenix Suns

Current record: 58 wins, 14 losses

Rank: 1

Will Chris Paul stay active in May and June? I have to say that the Suns should be the most popular Finals team now. They are ranked No. 2 in the league offensively and defensively, and the team's rotation lineup is one of the best in the league. With all the crew in good health, the combination of a young center and a pair of talented backcourts is always impressive. But there's one thing we need to be aware of: There's no guarantee that Paul will be able to get through the playoffs in perfect health. It is not impossible for him to be blocked or withdraw from the game altogether, as similar things have happened several times before. Currently, Paul is treating a torn thumb, which is different from the hamstring or quadriceps injuries he has experienced before, and is not as serious as it is. When the playoffs start, hopefully we'll see a vibrant and healthy Paul on the playoffs.

2. Boston Celtics

Current record: 44 wins and 38 losses

Rank: 5

Can Jason Tatum's teammates help him share the pressure of scoring? There is no doubt that the Celtics have become defensively strong this season. In order to compete for the 4th place in the East, they will definitely concentrate all their firepower. But can their offense keep pace while improving their defense? While the Celtics may have more problems than we've seen, they do have a player who can pull their offense into the top 5 of the league, and that's Derek White, who may be the key figure in the Celtics' first-time Finals since 2010.

3. Miami Heat

Current record: 47 wins, 24 losses

Rank: 3

Can Taylor Hiro stay on the upside? While the Heat became the leading team in the East on Monday (U.S. time), because they lacked a good scorer, many predictions didn't make them the top team in the Finals. Can Hiro provide the team's necessary firepower? This is a very important question. This season, the potential sixth man of the year averaged 21.1 points per game, which is also his career-high statistic. At the same time, 45 percent shooting, 39 percent three-point shooting, and 87 percent free throw shooting are equally impressive. What's even more surprising is that since the All-Star Game, his average score per game has increased to 25.4 points. We've noticed Hiro's performance before Miami reaches the 2020 Finals, and if he still has such a great performance this spring, it could help the Heat win the Eastern Conference championship.

4. Memphis Grizzlies

Current record: 49 wins, 23 losses

Rank: 2

Are the Grizzlies ready? This season, Morant is definitely a sensational figure, shining on the All-Star game. Although Morant has attracted a lot of defensive attention now, the intensity of defense will continue to increase after the playoffs. Morant may encounter a bag near halftime like Harden and Curry, and although he is a king of the bag, he sometimes has to find a breakthrough near the free throw line or the three-point line, and whether a player like Jalan Jackson Jr. can help when Morant faces the bag is the key to the Grizzlies' success in the playoffs.

5. Milwaukee Bucks

Current record: 44 wins, 27 losses

Rank: 4

Can the Bucks' current rotational lineup be used forever? Although the Bucks' roster doesn't seem to have as much depth as it did in the 2020-21 season, the Bucks are still a very competitive team when Alphabet Brother, Middleton, and Holliday are on the floor at the same time. The Bucks' backcourt remains volatile, and while Lopez's return is an important addition, it's unclear if he'll integrate into the team as quickly as he did in the last playoff. While that prediction may not be as accurate as the playoffs really approach, I still think the Bucks are the strongest contender in the East.

6. Utah Jazz

Current record: 45 wins and 26 losses

Rank: 9

What other players can Snyder use besides Gobert? The question is not to lash out at this big man from France. On the contrary, with Snyder not having many players available in the playoffs, the Jazz spent a large portion of their time losing without Gobert on the floor. I have always been skeptical that Hassan Whiteside can replace Gobert. The Jazz still haven't found a small-ball lineup for the Jazz, and the test on Rudy Guy has clearly turned out to be worse than before. The Utah Jazz still have a cap on winning the championship, but also be wary of being eliminated in the first round.

7. Golden State Warriors

Current record: 47 wins and 24 losses

Rank: 6

Can the Golden State Warriors handle the west's strong teams? The Warriors' performance over the past decade has been phenomenal, in part because of their commitment to small ball. However, it may not be wise to continue to do so in the 2022 playoffs. In the upcoming playoffs, the Warriors may face one or more of Jokic, Ayton, Gobert and Towns, and they can only reach the Finals if they cross these opponents. However, this task seems to be a little demanding for Rooney. In the face of this situation, if James Wiseman can play smoothly, then the process may be smoother. But for now, the Warriors could face some big problems in the middle of the playoffs.

8. Philadelphia 76ers

Current record: 43 wins, 27 losses

Rank: 8

Can James Harden break out again? Regarding Harden, we've focused most of our attention on his step-back score, but the real reason his score dropped is that he's constantly pounding the basket and trying to score near the basket. Harden's pace now looks a step slower (or two steps) slower than before his hamstring injury, making him a pass-first assist. But with his basketball talent, this version of Harden is still an efficient player, but he still needs to get back to his former form and put himself at the key point of Philadelphia's championship.

9. Minnesota Timberwolves

Current record: 42 wins and 30 losses

Rank: 12

Is the Timberwolves' improvement on the defensive end real? We've always thought that the Timberwolves, who own Downs, can only defend at the league average, but the Timberwolves have broken that stereotype in recent weeks. The Timberwolves are no. 4th in the league in defensive efficiency since the All-Star Game, and they have plenty of wing-shifting players (including Beverley) to make up for Downs' flaws. Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch is to be commended for turning the team's defense around, as it's no easy task to build a team that can really defend with a core like Towns, Edwards and Russell.

10. Dallas Mavericks

Current record: 43 wins and 28 losses

Rank: 7

Will Dinwiddie's output continue? Since joining the Lone Ranger, the former Nets and Wizards guard has been in hot form, even able to hit the whistle at home. In addition to scoring, he also took on a large part of the ball possession tasks. Doncic is climbing the MVP ladder and he has proven himself to be one of the greatest players on the playoff stage. If this state of affairs can be sustained, a strong backcourt partner could turn the Lone Ranger into an amazing contender for 2022.

11. Denver Nuggets

Rank: 10

Where does the second scoring point come from? At the moment, with both Murray and Porter sidelined by injuries, the Nuggets do lack players with scoring and organizational skills on the Nuggets' roster, with the exception of Jokic. Gordon is more of a complementary character, with Barton, Monte Morris and the Nuggets' existing players running little room for improvement in terms of rotation. It's hard to see defending MVP Jokic consistently output throughout the playoffs unless his little friend can come back early.

12. Cleveland Cavaliers

Current record: 41 wins and 30 losses

Rank: 15

Will the Cavaliers be able to stick with it in the playoffs? In the first half of the season, the Cavaliers were considered one of the most in-form teams, placing them no. 3 in the East and making it to the all-star game with a 5th-most defensive efficiency in the league. But they've been different since Aaron's finger injured in early March. The Cavaliers were in 6th place in the East on Monday (US time), just 0.5 wins more than the Raptors. In March, their defensive efficiency also slipped to 18th place. Although Mobley is a rookie, he is indeed a good defender, but he alone will not help. Whether Allen can return smoothly is crucial to whether this team has a chance to break through the first round.

13. Brooklyn Nets

Current record: 37 wins, 34 losses

Rank: 11

Will Durant have a partner by his side? Obviously, without Irving or Simmons helping Durant, durant-led Nets would have a hard time making a sound in the playoffs. Let's look forward to Simmons coming back to the pitch sometime this season. As for Owen, this is undoubtedly an unfortunate situation. But if Owen wants to change the situation, it's not impossible.

14. Toronto Raptors

Current record: 40 wins and 31 losses

Rank: 13

Will Scotty Barnes be able to play at the level of the series? It's a daunting task for a 20-year-old, but our ability to ask that question is enough to prove that Barnes is indeed a good player. If the Raptors make it to the top, he can play against Durant in the playoffs, and he can be used against Harden, Alphabet Brother or Tatum. According to the current situation of the Raptors, they are a more energetic first-round reserve player in the playoffs. Whether they have more possibilities will depend on how Wells performs.

15. Chicago Bulls

Current record: 41 wins, 29 losses

Rank: 14

Will DeRozan repeat his all-Star Game performance? The Chicago star was dismissive in the face of criticism in the offseason. And after the start of the new season, he played his own scoring game, and deRozan averaged 27.8 points per game since Friday night (US time). This season, DeRozan's performance will certainly help him win some MVP votes, and thanks to his performance, the Bulls have regained their foothold in the competitive East. Will his good performance continue in the playoffs? I'm skeptical. DeRozan has shot just 41.1 percent of the way in the last 10 games, and the Bulls offense has always stalled against opponents' pockets. Considering the Chicago Bulls' chances are more in the future, they may not be a real contender this season.

16. Charlotte Hornets

Current record: 36 wins and 35 losses

Rank: 18

Can this team improve its defense to win games? The Hornets don't have a small number of scoring options in the game, with Ball and Rochelle able to sweep the Eastern Conference backcourt. However, the Hornets still feel like a team that fights alone and has no defense. The Hornets are 23rd in the league for defensive efficiency this season, and if the Hornets want to be taken seriously in the playoffs, the team will have to make adjustments.

17. Atlanta Hawks

Current record: 35 wins and 36 losses

Rank: 17

Can the Hawks wait for John Collins before the playoffs? The forward was a key figure in the Hawks' Eastern Conference Finals last year, having missed recent games with a foot injury. Without him, you can clearly feel that the Hawks have less athleticism and a variety of frontcourt coordination. Trae Young is a dynamic player in his own right, and having some players around him who can open up space is not a recipe for success. So, whether Collins can get his form back is crucial for Atlanta.

18. New Orleans Pelicans

Current record: 30 wins and 41 losses

Rank: 19

Let's take a closer look at the Pelicans and see Hayes, the key player in their frontcourt. The question we have to ask is: What exactly can Hayes bring to the Pelicans? The former no. 8 pick, who spent the first two seasons of his career like a fish out of the water, was forced into a substitute center role that he was not suitable for. But this season, Hayes rewrote his script. In a foursome with athleticism as a standout, Hayes played to his advantage, often breaking through the opposing defence in a surprising way. Beyond that, Hayes can't be completely ignored just outside the three-point line. At the same time, he also has the ability to singles in the low post and run quickly to the outside line. The Pelicans should be able to make it into the playoffs because they've found a point to lean on, and Hayes does deserve the Pelicans' trust.

19. Los Angeles Clippers

Current record: 36 wins and 37 losses

Rank: 16

Regarding the Clippers, one of the questions we all want to ask is: Is there positive health news coming up? Despite last year's injuries, Tylen Lue led the Clippers to a very good performance in the playoffs, so the Clippers could be nervous for some teams in April. However, the Clippers must win in the playoffs to get the possibility of further development. As things stand, unless there's a better rotation, the Clippers are going to have a tough time. What could turn the Clippers around? The players are coming back, of course. At the start of the series, I was skeptical that Leonard would be back on the field this season, and Pepper and Powell's form seemed more optimistic. If you add these two scorers, maybe the Clippers still have a glimmer of life in the first round.

20. Washington Wizards

Current record: 30 wins and 40 losses

Rank: 20

Can Porzingis stay fit with the Wizards? Their newly traded center is no longer the valuable player he was before. However, it is not entirely fair for us to discuss this, and Porzingis is still very influential on the team, averaging 20.6 points and 7 rebounds per game for the Wizards. In Saturday's (US time) win over the Lakers, he showed absolute dominance. If Porzingis can stay healthy all the time, the duo of him and Bill could be a strong contender for next year.

21. New York Knicks

Rank: 21

Can Barrett be the team's top scorer? The Knicks' second-year striker has shown his worth in many ways, as he can play second possession and organise a half-court attack. Has Barrett reached his ceiling? This is one of the most interesting questions facing the Knicks. However, through the recent competition, we have seen some gratifying phenomena. Barrett has averaged 26.1 points per game since the All-Star Game. On Feb. 26, Barrett scored 46 points against the Miami Heat. By analyzing the game, you'll see that Barrett isn't the silkiest three-point shooter, but he's in good shape near the basket. And in recent times, the feel of his hands has also improved significantly. Sharing the pressure on Randall to Barrett is also the Knicks' surest path to development.

22. Los Angeles Lakers

Rank: 22

Can we still see Davis play again this season? Whether Davis is healthy or not, the Lakers have the potential to excel in the playoffs. However, if there is really no key player like Davis, the Lakers will have a hard time reaching the final even if they perform well. Before the arrival of the 2021-22 season, the Lakers exchanged a relatively high price for Westbrook, forming the Big Three. With the playoffs just around the corner, for the Lakers, which of the Big Three is injured will be a disaster.

23. San Antonio Spurs

Current record: 28 wins and 44 losses

Rank: 23

Unless the Lakers lose all of the next few games (which is not impossible), the Spurs will most likely end the regular season outside of the playoffs. Looking at the Spurs' current players, we can't help but ask: Which of these youngsters is the guardian of the Spurs' future? Continuing to train and observe these young players is Popovich's job in the coming weeks. Around the Spurs' existing core Murray, there are several nice combination options. Vassell, Johnson and Lonnie Walker all did well in their first NBA season, and how to find the right combination of such a deep guard and winger is the Spurs' current challenge.

24. Indiana Pacers

Current record: 25 wins and 47 losses

Rank: 25

How will the Pacers' backcourt play out next season? While who will join the Pacers in the future remains a thorny conundrum, Halliburton has firmly established himself as a cornerstone of the Pacers. Take a closer look at the Pacers' players: Brogdon's position is somewhat repetitive with Harry Burton's, and while Levitte likes fancy dribbling, he's a talented scorer, and with the potential return of Rubio, Duarte and Warren, the Pacers' roster does look a bit redundant. Perhaps from the trade in Halliburton, the Pacers had taken the first steps towards rebuilding.

25. Sacramento Kings

Current record: 25 wins and 48 losses

Rank: 27

Is this the real version of De Aaron Fox? Before the deal deadline, the King was ridiculed for sending Halliburton to the Pacers. While Sabonis, who traded in, could support the Kings offensively, the deal still seems a bit odd for now. But if you think about it, we may have overlooked the impact of the deal on another Of kings guard (Fox). Fox has performed well in his last 15 games, averaging 28.9 points and 6.8 assists per game. Shooting 50 percent from the field, 36 percent from three-point range, and 77 percent from the free throws. The investment in Fox could pay off for the Kings as he already holds the key to the Kings' offense.

26. Portland Trail Blazers

Current record: 26 wins and 44 losses

Rank: 26

Where is Hart's ceiling? The Blazers' rookie took full advantage of the opportunities the team offered him, scoring high scores of 44 and 31 points last week. Although Hart looked more like a player on the edge when he first entered college, he has always shown his worth through the game. Predicting Lillard's future is still difficult, and even if he returns to the Blazers next season, Hart will still play an important role in the restructured roster, and it is important not to underestimate where he and Anfinnie Simmons will be when the Blazers rebuild in the 2022-23 season.

27. Oklahoma Thunder

Current record: 29 wins, 51 losses

Rank: 30

Will the Thunder get the rookies they need? Looking at the Thunder, they are not a team without talent. Alexander, Josh-Kiddy's backcourt could be the Thunder's main force in the playoffs once again, a good frontcourt player can be smoothly integrated into them, and if an influential player is added to the center or big forward position, the team may skip the rebuild. Fortunately, the top three draft picks presti has in his hands can help them get players like that.

28. Detroit Pistons

Current record: 19 wins, 52 losses

Rank: 24

Can Detroit add another star player to Capita Cunningham's side? The Pistons rookie, who also made a last-ditch effort for rookie of the year, looks like the team's workhorse in every way. And since the All-Star Game, thanks to his output, the Pistons have been active. But if he doesn't have the influence he deserves on the Pistons, it's still hard for the Pistons to make the playoffs. Look at the other Pistons players, who can be a real competitive partner for Cunningham? Isaiah Stewart and Sadik Bay are good puzzle pieces, and it may be a little inappropriate to make Grant the best choice. Whether through a draft, free agent or trade, the Pistons have to find a real competitive partner for Cunningham to make a voice for the next few seasons.

29. Houston Rockets

Current record: 17 wins, 54 losses

Rank: 28

Is there room for Jaylen Green to continue improving? Since the All-Star Game, the Rockets rookie has been in a state of exuberance, averaging 20.3 points per game, shooting 49.2 percent from the field and 36.6 percent from three-point range. Green is probably the most explosive defender of the season, and as he rushes to the basket, he becomes more and more accustomed to pulling defense from mid-range and moving into the box. Don't let Green's clumsy start of the season cloud our expectations for his future, he has the potential to average 25 points per game, but that potential is just beginning to be unleashed.

30. Orlando Magic

Current record: 19 wins, 53 losses

Rank: 29

Although Wendell Carter Jr. and Mohammed Bamba have also performed well and had a great impact on the team, I am still optimistic about Franz Wagner's potential as the core of the team. However, for the Magic to be a regular winner, they have to address a key question: Can they have a great defender on their roster? The Magic's existing combination is fascinating because of the rich rotation of players, but it is difficult to go further because this combination does not guarantee victory. Cole Anthony, although the main point guard, does not have the efficiency of a star player. Markle Fultz's injuries have always been a mystery, and his history of injuries has always been there. While Jaylen Sägers' performance on the offensive end is somewhat worrying, it's too early to leave him out. Combined, Purdue guard Jaden Ive may be the magic's best choice for June.

Originally written by Michael Shapiro

Compiler: Ah Shuai