After 82 games and lots of excitement, the NBA Playoffs have arrived.
Here is the current NBA playoff bracket:
Teams that made the playoffs:
Celtics - The Celtics had by far the best record in the NBA pretty much the whole season so obviously they made the playoffs. Last year they were also one of the best teams but they did not make the finals, so we'll see if they can change that this year.
Knicks - Despite many major injuries throughout the season the Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson, were able to secure the 2nd best record in the Eastern Conference as well as their best record in over 10 years. Last year they made it to the second round of the playoffs, and this year they are looking even better.
76ers - The 76ers probably would have made the playoffs earlier but their best player and former MVP Joel Embiid was injured most of the season. Luckily for them, Embiid came back just in time for the play-in, where they defeated Miami to secure a spot in the playoffs.
Bucks - The Bucks ended with the 3rd best record in the Eastern Conference thanks to 2x MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. They won the finals a few years ago but were eliminated in the first round last year. It will be interesting to see how far they can make it this year.
Thunder - The Thunder did not make the playoffs last year, but thanks to MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the team ended with the best record in the Western Conference this season.
Nuggets - The Nuggets won the NBA Finals last year and have been one of the best teams this season, so no surprise that they made the playoffs. Can they win it all twice in a row?
Clippers - The Clippers were eliminated in the first round last year. They are looking better this year, securing the 4th best record in the Western Conference thanks to key players like Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Russel Westbrook.
Mavericks - The Mavericks did not make the playoffs last year but they are looking much better this year. Thanks to MVP candidate Luka Donic and 8x all-star Kyrie Irving, they ended with the 5th best record in the Western Conference.
Suns - The Suns were eliminated in the 2nd round of the playoffs last year. This season they won more games and they have a very talented trio of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal, so they have a chance of making it far if they all play well.
Timberwolves - The Timberwolves were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs last year but they are much better this year. Thanks to strong seasons by all-stars Anthony Edwards and Karl Anthony-Towns the team ended with the 3rd best record in the Western Conference.
Cavaliers - The Cavaliers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs last year. They had another strong season this year led by Donovan Mitchell. However, Mitchell is currently injured, and it would greatly decrease the chances of doing well in the playoffs if he doesn't return soon.
Heat - The Miami Heat barely made the playoffs but they were able to secure a spot after winning in the play-in tournament. Last year they were also in the play-in tournament but they still managed to make it all the way to the NBA finals. It is less likely that they will be able to pull off this same thing this year though because Jimmy Butler is currently injured.
Magic - The Magic did not make the playoffs last year, but they are also much better this year. Led by all-star Paolo Banchero they ended with the 5th best record in the Eastern Conference, while last year they ended with the 3rd worst.
Pelicans - The Pelicans secured a spot in the playoffs after eliminating the Kings in the play-in tournament. Last year they were also in the play-in but did not make the playoffs.
Pacers- The Pacers also did not make the playoffs last year, but they are also much improved this year. Led by all-star Tyrese Haliburton they ended with the 6th best record in the Eastern Conference, while last year they ended with the 5th worst.
Lakers - The Lakers almost did not make the playoffs, but they were able to secure a spot after winning in the play-in tournament. LeBron will now be headed to the Playoffs for the 16th time in 21 seasons.
Steph Curry and the Warriors did not make the playoffs. After 13 seasons, Klay Thompson may have just played his last game as a Warrior, as he is now a free agent. It will be very interesting to see what happens with this team in the near future. Is the Warriors dynasty officially over?