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Power Ranking the Remaining Teams in the NBA Playoffs

By Nick Fata
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) waves to fans during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers in game six of the second round of the 2022 NBA playoffs at Wells Fargo Center.
© Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
  • Playoffs Game 1
    05/17 8:45 PM ET
    Spread
    ML
    Score
    535BOSBOS(2)
    203.5
    155
    107
    536MIAMIA(1)
    -4
    -175
    118
  • Playoffs Game 1
    05/18 9:00 PM ET
    Spread
    ML
    Score
    539DALDAL(4)
    215
    180
    87
    540GSGS(3)
    -5.5
    -220
    112

As the NBA Conference Finals begin, let’s take a look at the remaining four teams to see who stacks up the best to make a run for the title.

1. Miami Heat

The Heat return to the Eastern Conference finals for the second time in the last three years, and rightfully so. Out of the four teams left in the playoffs it’s fair to say the Heat are the deepest and most versatile. Their defense leads to offense and they’re full of guys who are all capable of hitting shots. They don’t live and die by the three point shot like many other teams, largely due to Jimmy Butler’s ability to attack the basket and score from the midrange. Bam Adebayo is also a huge piece for Miami, who has stepped up offensively in the playoffs and also has the ability to cause nightmares on the defensive end of the floor alongside Jimmy Butler and PJ Tucker. Miami also has championship DNA in Kyle Lowry, which their competition in Boston lacks. Miami has run through the playoffs with the most ease out of the remaining teams, which is why they are ranked at the top of the list. 

2. Boston Celtics 

Boston’s depth can rival Miami’s, and they showed in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals that if they shoot the three ball well they’re unstoppable. Jayson Tatum has blossomed into a superstar, and a Marcus Smart led defense has been a force to be reckoned with. Players like Al Horford and Grant Williams have stepped up as well, and of course there’s always the explosive offensive abilities of Jaylen Brown to consider as well. Boston has been nearly unbeatable since the all star break, and beating the reigning champion Milwaukee Bucks could be the test that potentially helped push them to a championship run.

3. Golden State Warriors

The Warriors are back in the playoffs for the first time in two years, and of course, they’re right back in the Western Conference Finals. The Warriors big three has been for the most part spectacular, the the emerging stardom of Jordan Poole has made the Warriors offense as dangerous as ever. The Dubs have all the championship experience a team could ask for, which could be the Warriors best chance to make a title run. It’s easy to forget how dominant Golden State has been in the past when they’re fully healthy. Don’t be surprised if the Warriors win their upcoming matchup against the Mavericks to make their sixth NBA Finals appearance in the last eight years. 

4. Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks are a complete wildcard in these playoffs. After taking down the top seeded Phoenix Suns the Mavs are set to face off against Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors. The Mavericks have the best player in the playoffs in Luka Doncic, who has tore up every matchup he’s faced this far. However Luka alone may not be enough to make a championship run. The Mavs have plenty of great 3 and D players like Maxi Kleber, Reggie Bullock, and Davis Bertans. The emergence of Jalen Brunson has been a welcome surprise for Dallas as well. The Mavs aren’t the most talented team left standing, however don’t be surprised if a dark horse run led by Luka Doncic propels them to something special in these final two rounds. 

 

My pick for the Finals is Miami against Golden State, however all these teams are in the Conference Finals for a reason. Don’t be surprised if any combination of these teams is the matchup we see come early June. 

 

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