The NBA Playoffs this year will look a little different, with the new “play-in tournament”. The league used this method in last year’s playoffs due to the Coronavirus and decided to keep it for this year’s postseason. The play-in tournament gives the 9th and 10th seeds the opportunity to make the playoffs. With this new opportunity, here are three teams that I could see grabbing a spot in the postseason.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets have looked a lot better since acquiring Victor Oladipo and trading away James Harden. Since the trade, Houston has gone 8-5. This is compared to their 3-6 record when they still had Harden.
A trio of John Wall, Victor Oladipo, and Christian Wood seems good enough to catch an 8 or 9 seed. Wood, however, recently went down with a right ankle sprain which could result in a minor losing streak. Demarcus Cousins will see increased playing time during Wood’s injury. Once the Rockets are healthy, they’ll likely come back even stronger than before.
Players such as Eric Gordon and Daniel House Jr. are key in getting the Rockets to that play-in tournament, as they provide a spark off the bench. I wouldn’t guarantee a playoff appearance for Houston, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they found their way in.
New York Knicks
The Knicks have come as a shock to a lot of people. Not many people would have predicted them to be as good as they are. Julius Randle’s breakout season has been key in the Knicks being somewhat decent. Guys like RJ Barrett and rookie Immanuel Quickley have also helped the Knicks find a way to win games.
The recent acquisition of Derrick Rose will prove to be a winning trade for New York. The veteran will be good for the young talent that the Knicks have and he has been putting up pretty quality numbers this season.
In order to make the postseason this year, they only have to be better than five teams in your conference. I believe that the Knicks are definitely better than five teams. If Randle can keep playing the way he is now, I don’t see New York falling below a 10 seed.
Sacramento Kings
Sacramento has looked good this year. They’ve won 7 of their last 8 with their last three wins coming against the Celtics, Nuggets, and Clippers. The Kings have been on the outside looking in for a while, and I think this is the season that they finally secure a playoff spot.
The Kings starting five is a lineup that doesn’t get enough credit. Sacramento has been rolling with: Buddy Hield, De’Aaron Fox, Harrison Barnes, Richaun Holmes, and Marvin Bagley III. The King’s lineup is good enough with these guys, but Hassan Whiteside and ROY candidate Tyrese Haliburton make it even better.
The Kings are extremely underrated and will definitely catch a playoff spot while battling things out in the Wild West.
