NBA

Power Ranking All 22 NBA Playoff Teams Ahead Of League Return

Darren - June 16, 2020

NBA

Power Ranking All 22 NBA Playoff Teams Ahead Of League Return

Darren - June 16, 2020

4. Los Angeles Clippers

This is a massive year for the Clippers. It’s their chance to break out of the Lakers’ shadow, but they’ll have to be at their very best to do it. They are finally fighting fit. This is something they’ve struggled with all season, but the break will do wonders for Kahwi Leonard’s health.

You can’t overestimate the significance of Leonard to the Clippers. If they can keep him alongside Paul George then they have every chance of winning an elusive NBA Championship. But they must adapt to playing away from the Staples Center because they have struggled on the road.

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3. Toronto Raptors

The Raptors have been desperately unlucky with injuries this season. In fact, you could argue that it’s tantamount to Nick Nurse’s abilities that they’ve still been so competitive this year because almost every player has been absent at one point or another. Furthermore, they have the second-best defense in the league which is impressive.

Their championship experience will be key because all of their pieces are finally falling into place. Also, they’ll want to make a good showing because they know they could face the Bucks in the Eastern Conference finals. Everybody knows that they want to lure Giannis up North.

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2. Milwaukee Bucks

The hiatus came at the perfect time for the Bucks because their phenomenal season was threatening to derail. Riding a three-game losing streak before the break, the lost their key man Giannis Antetokounmpo to injury for the final two. Now he’s ready to come back and resume his pursuit of the MVP award and a championship ring.

Giannis Antetokounmpo — Mandatory Credit: SB Nation

However, the big question is how much the break and lack of home advantage will affect their rhythm. The Bucks looked on course to break the 65-win barrier but that could be under threat now. Only time will tell, but it does look like they’re in a position to come back stronger than ever. Their strong defense will be key.

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1. Los Angeles Lakers

Sure, every neutral fan wants the Bucks to win but let’s be real, the Lakers have the advantage now ahead of the return. This team just knows each other so well. LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and company have momentum. That could be key as they make their way through the playoffs.

This is also one of an aging James’s last chances to win a fourth NBA ring. Furthermore, this version of the Lakers is at its peak, with several players like Rajon Rondo and Danny Green getting older too. Meanwhile, Dwight Howard is heading to free agency. They’ll be desperate to win but they’re in a position to.

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Power Ranking All 22 NBA Playoff Teams Ahead Of League Return

Power Ranking All 22 NBA Playoff Teams Ahead Of League Return

4. Los Angeles Clippers

3. Toronto Raptors

2. Milwaukee Bucks

1. Los Angeles Lakers

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