There are many story-lines going into the postseason including whether the Miami Heat can once again defend their crown and LeBron can get his 3rd straight NBA Championship. Can the Spurs bounce back after their disappointing loss in the 2013 Finals? Will the Oklahoma City Thunder get over the hump and Mr. Durant finally get to hold the Larry O'Brien Trophy? Can the Clippers find a way to make a deep postseason run under head coach Doc Rivers with floor general Chris Paul and prove there's room for more than one championship NBA team in the City of Angels?
Let's take a quick peak at the current NBA standings as we continue with our 2014 NBA postseason preview.
Eastern Conference Standings:
1.) Indiana Pacers
2.) Miami Heat
3.) Toronto Raptors
4.) Chicago Bulls
5.) Brooklyn Nets
6.) Washington Wizards
7.) Charlotte Bobcats
8.) Atlanta Hawks
Western Conference Standings:
1.) San Antonio Spurs
2.) Oklahoma City Thunder
3.) L.A. Clippers
4.) Houston Rockets
5.) Portland Trailblazers
6.) Golden State Warriors
7.) Memphis Grizzlies
8.) Phoenix Suns
2014 NBA Playoff Preview
Surprise Teams and Underdogs
These are the current standings for 1-8 seeds in each conference however with around 10 games remaining other teams still have an outside chance at taking over the 7th or 8th seeds. In the Eastern Conference the Knicks, Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, and Boston Celtics are still alive. The most notable team is the New York Knicks who have been underachieving since they acquired Carmelo Anthony. The Knicks have the best shot at overtaking the Hawks for the 8th spot with only 3 games separating the teams.
In the Western Conference, besides the 8 teams listed, there are technically 3 other teams still alive in the playoff picture. Although the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves are mathematically still breathing the Dallas Mavericks are the only of the three who could easily flip-flop with the Suns and Grizzlies for the 7th or 8th seed during the next 2 weeks of the regular season.
So far this years surprises have been the Toronto Raptors, Phoenix Suns, and Chicago Bulls. Yes the Bulls have had a great nucleus over the past few years but with former MVP Derrick Rose going out early in the season once again it looked like another wasted season for Chicago. The Bulls have come on strong since the All-Star break with MVP-like performances from Joakim Noah and stellar guard play from DJ Augustine. Look for Chicago to make some noise during the 1st and 2nd rounds. The Toronto Raptors could find themselves entering the 2nd and possibly the 3rd round this year under head coach Dwane Casey with scoring star DeMar DeRozan. The Raptors also have consistent play from Amir Johnson and Terrence Ross.
This years favorites for the NBA's Larry O'Brien Trophy include powerhouse teams from both the Eastern and Western Conference. In the east nobody would be surprised if the Miami Heat 3 Peat, however maybe 2014 is the year for the Indiana Pacers to bump King James off of his thrown. In the west the San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, and the Los Angeles Clippers all find themselves in prime position to get to the NBA "Promised Land".
Regardless if you're a fan of one of the underdogs or you want to see another title for the Spurs or Heat we have all your NBA playoff ticket needs online for discount prices at www.HotBoxTickets.com
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