NBA Playoff Rankings (4/19): Five Undefeated Teams Left In Postseason
So far, four NBA Playoff teams have protected home court in the first-round. The Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors, Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics have each won both home games to begin their postseason runs. However, five teams are entering Game 3 with a perfect postseason record in 2018. The New Orleans Pelicans went into Portland and came away with a pair of wins. Meanwhile, the other three playoff series’ are tied at one game apiece.
The Utah Jazz and Miami Heat each won a road game to tie their respective playoff series’ with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Philadelphia 76ers. The Cleveland Browns relied on a great effort from LeBron James to even the series with the Indiana Pacers.
So far, the playoffs have had it all. We’ve seen great individual performances from veterans as well as rookies. Still, the top two seeds in each conference have won all of their games. Two of those teams don’t even have their starting point guard in the lineup. The Celtics will be without Kyrie Irving for the rest of the year. The Warriors are expecting Stephen Curry back soon. He’s already performing full court drills in his rehab sessions.
Here are the NBA Playoff rankings.
1. Houston Rockets (2-0) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: The Houston Rockets bullied the Minnesota Timberwolves into submission. Even James Harden’s 2 of 18 shooting night didn’t hurt the Rockets. Chris Paul scored 27 points during the 102-82 victory. The Rockets have gone up (2-0) after a pair of home games. Now, they hit the road with a chance to put a nail in the coffin of the Timberwolves.
2. Golden State Warriors (2-0) vs. San Antonio Spurs: The Golden State Warriors used a devastating second half run to take the first two games over the San Antonio Spurs. Klay Thompson has been lights up from the field. They were already going to face an emotionally charged Spurs’ team in Game 3. However, circumstances have changed in the series with the news of Gregg Popovich’s wife passing away on Wednesday.
3. Toronto Raptors (2-0) vs. Washington Wizards: The Raptors have won two games in different ways. They have stymied the duo of John Wall and Bradley Beal in the first two games. Yet, the Raptors have a real opportunity to make a statement on Friday. If they win, the Raptors should breeze into the next round. A loss means this game is more than likely going seven games. Are the Raptors championship worthy?
4. New Orleans Pelicans (2-0) vs. Portland Trailblazers: So far, the New Orleans Pelicans have been the most impressive team in the NBA playoffs. They went on the road to win a pair of games. They can really take control of the first-round with a Game 3 win. It’s time for the Pelicans to protect home court. Otherwise, they will let the Portland Trailblazers right back into the series.
5. Boston Celtics (2-0) vs. Milwaukee Bucks: Wait, are the Boston Celtics missing starters? The Celtics have played brilliantly over the course of two home games. Even with the No. 2 seed, the Celtics were deemed underdogs to the Milwaukee Bucks. Well, they are one road win away from really taking control of this series. As for now, all they did was protect home court. The young phenoms seem to get better with each passing possession.
6. Indiana Pacers (1-1) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: The reason why the Indiana Pacers are controlling the No. 6 ranking is due to where they played. Despite a horrendous start, the Pacers had an opportunity to win Game 2. Instead, they return home with a (1-1) tie against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Victor Oladipo must avoid foul trouble if the Pacers expect to win.
7. Philadelphia 76ers (1-1) vs. Miami Heat: Joel Embiid is most likely out for Game 3. The Philadelphia 76ers gave up home court advantage after a rough second quarter in Game 2. Can they return the favor in their first playoff road game? Ben Simmons must deal with the pressure defense better. Otherwise, the Miami Heat will take a series lead.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers (1-1) vs. Indiana Pacers: LeBron James may have save the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night. His 46-point effort was just enough for the Cavaliers to hold onto a three-point win. Now, the series is tied at one game apiece. More importantly, the Cavaliers have clinched at least one more home game in the playoffs.
9. Utah Jazz (1-1) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: Donovan Mitchell led the Utah Jazz to a road victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. He scored 28 points to even the series. Now, the Jazz have a chance to take control of the first-round with a pair of home games.
10. Miami Heat (1-1) vs. Philadelphia 76ers: Dwyane Wade went into his bag to help even the series with the Philadelphia 76ers. Can he have repeat performances in back to back games? Moreover, can the Heat get anything out of Hassan Whiteside?
11. Oklahoma City Thunder (1-1) vs. Utah Jazz: In Game 1, it was Playoff P. Well, none of the Big 3 reached 20 points in Game 2, including Mr. Paul George. They scored 54 points on 58 shots. They combined to shoot 8 of 24 from 3-point range. Now, the Thunder really seem to be in dire straights, heading into Game 3 in Utah.
12. Minnesota Timberwolves (0-2) vs. Houston Rockets: The Timberwolves have not found the answers for the Houston Rockets. If they would have stolen Game 1, they’d be in a far greater mood. However, they lost and close game and got blown out in Game 2. The Timberwolves need Karl-Anthony Towns to play at an elite level. Right now, he’s not even playing adequately.
13. Milwaukee Bucks (0-2) vs. Boston Celtics: Giannis Antetokounmpo has done a lot for the Milwaukee Bucks. However, it’s not about Antetokounmpo averaging 32 points per game. He must lead the Bucks to victories. If they don’t win Game 3, this series is effectively over. The Bucks also have to play better defense at home. They are giving up 116.5 points per game.
14. San Antonio Spurs (0-2) vs. Golden State Warriors: In Game 2, the San Antonio Spurs gave the Golden State Warriors fits in the first half. They held a lead for a good majority of the game. However, they were outscored by 21 points in the second half to lose by 15. Will the home court crowd help the Spurs in Game 3? Emotions will be running high.
15. Washington Wizards (0-2) vs. Toronto Raptors: Although the Washington Wizards are facing the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, they have been one of the most disappointing teams in the playoffs. First of all, they are in the No. 8 seed. Now, they are entering Game 3 with a two-game deficit. They need one win to alter the momentum of the series.
16. Portland Trailblazers (0-2) vs. New Orleans Pelicans: The Portland Trailblazers lost both home games. They are the only team in the 2018 first-round series to do that. Meaning, they are a candidate to get swept. Damian Lillard needs to have an MVP performance in Game 3. Otherwise, it should be curtains very soon.
