5 NBA teams that could narrowly miss the playoffs

There are 4 teams competing for two spots to the playoffs in the Eastern conference. They are all separated by a game or two. More importantly, they play each other more in the coming weeks. So the final tally to make it to the playoffs will come down to one or two game win - loss record.The western conference is settled and we could clearly see 7 teams making the playoffs for sure this year. But there are two or three teams that are volatile and this could provide some surprises come playoff time. It would be safe to say that teams that end up with .500 win – loss record in the west will make the playoffs this year. And the playoffs is a open race in the eastern conference. Although it is normal to see Cavs playing conference finals , they seem vulnerable. So it is important to look at the teams that make the playoffs.More importantly the teams that could miss the playoffs.

#1 Washington Wizards

John Wall and Bradley Beal – Washington Wizards

Washington wizards have the been the shadow of the former selves this year. While all the other teams upgraded during the off season, they used the time to get healthy. But further injuries to Beal and other important players have left them short-handed. As good or great Bradley Beal is, he has been inconsistent being in and out of the team due to injury and health issues.

Wizards are now sitting at 10th spot in the eastern conference and their appearance in playoff is solely based on this last month of regular season. They could be the last team in or end up 9 or 10th.

Wall has taken this team onto his back and it is time the rest of the team showed up. John Wall is averaging 21.2 points, 10.7 assists, 5.3 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 1.5 3-point field goals made since All-star break.

#2 Utah Jazz

Calmly and steadily, Utah has built a strong team in the west. They have built their team via draft and established their own unique style of basketball. Gordon Hayward is one of the underestimated stars in the NBA. Between Favors and Gobert, they have a strong inside presence that is effective offensively and defensively.

Add Rodney Hood and Alec Burks to the mix, we have the makings of a solid and dependable unit. Utah are playing their best basketball since all-star break and now stand 9th in the western conference.

With Rockets and Mavericks declining due to various reasons, one could only wonder if Jazz can make it to the playoffs. The western landscape will not change much, the top teams are decided.

Utah should continue their good work and hope they can get the last spot in the west. The chances are bright now than it was a month ago, but it will all come down to numbers and the remaining matchup.

#3 Detroit Pistons

The Pistons are currently in 9th with a 37-34 record, and their closest competitors for 7 and 8th seeds in the Eastern Conference are the Indiana Pacers at 37-33, the Chicago Bulls at 36-33 and Washington Wizards at 35-35.

But in comparison, Pistons will have to play a tougher schedule than the other teams. Currently, the Bulls and the Pacers are placed closely in the standings. But the Bulls have an easier schedule of the lot and have more solid and superstar players on their roster. The experience and the talent in Chicago will propel them to the playoffs.

It will be a race between Pacers and the Pistons. Detroit will have a chance to write their own destiny to the playoff race this season. Pistons have marquee wins against Cavaliers , Heat, Warriors and not they have to put everything together to be consistent.

Coach Van Gundy predicted that the Piston’s defense and not offense will propel the pistons to the playoffs. With Drummond guarding the paint and defensive guards, he might have a point there. But it will be a close finish for Detroit.

#4 Indiana Pacers

With a new team roster and the All-star season from Paul George, Pacers have done well after dissolving the main core. Pacers completely changed their style of play from a tall, physical and slow pace team to a short, fine-tuned offensive machine that plays good defense.

They got the right pieces to do so in Hill and Ellis. With George carrying the team, it is amazing to see how far the Pacers have come. If playoff started tonight, they will be in Toronto matched up against the Raptors.

But they have to still finish the season strong to complete their recovery season on a high note. Don’t forget Indiana Pacers were competing for conference title not so long ago. With evolving front court in Turner and Mahinmi, the future looks bright in Indiana. For now, their goal would be to make the post-season and give the invaluable experience to the newest members of the team.

The schedule is in their favor but you will never know in the world of sports. It will be an interesting last stretch of the season for the Pacers.

#5 Houston Rockets

Yes, you’ve read it right. It is the Houston Rockets who could miss the playoffs this season. There is a time bomb in Houston and it can go off anytime soon. With firing of the head coach to the drift between Howard and Harden, you know there is something fishy happening.

They are 5-5 in the last 10 games and have lost important games to teams below .500. This could mean nothing and Rockets can turn it around while competing for a higher seed in the western conference.

But we cannot turn down the fact that they might be fighting for the last spot in the playoffs if they continue to degrade and decay like they are now. It is tough to watch Rockets lose despite having a solid team and the amout of talent in that roster is abundant.

Rockets are finally having a healthy Howard and for that matter a complete healthy team, it is time they put everything together to see how far they can go with this team. Because you know there would be some offseason moves and things would be shaken up in Houston this year.