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Championship conversations have already started, and as expected, a few of the favorites will undoubtedly make the playoffs in the 2021-22 NBA season. Many envision an NBA Finals showdown between the LA Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets as a possibility, considering the caliber of players on their rosters.
Just as we have championship contenders early on, there are few teams that the odds do not favor as regards playoffs action in the 2021-22 NBA season. While several factors will come into play throughout the course of the season, you can't bet against the heavyweights in each conference.
Things will get shaken up in the Eastern Conference as a few blockbuster trades will impact the rankings. The Chicago Bulls will likely return to the NBA playoffs after a four-year hiatus. Good things are expected following the front office's decision to partner Lonzo Ball and DeMar DeRozan with Zach Lavine and Nikola Vucevic.
In the West, the Golden State Warriors might make a return to the NBA playoffs following a two-year absence. Although the Warriors did not make any high-profile acquisitions, the anticipated return of Klay Thompson might be all the boost they need.
Meanwhile, the NBA has resolved to continue with the play-in tournament, which means that the 7th-10th placed teams will compete to make the 2022 playoffs. The Memphis Grizzlies benefited from this rule in the 2020-21 season after defeating the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors to reach the 2021 NBA playoffs.
While we might witness surprise entries in the 2022 NBA playoffs, here are five teams that are unlikely to have postseason action.
#1. Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic team is one for the future, as the front office has made it clear with their recent trade moves. The rigorous rebuilding process started with the sale of Aaron Gordon, Nikola Vucevic and Evan Fournier during the 2020-21 NBA season.
The aftermath of the trade was a 6-22 run to close out the season. Although the return of Markelle Fultz and Jonathan Isaac from injury will be a boost, they are not championship-caliber players.
Jamahl Mosley has taken over the reins in Orlando after the franchise parted ways with Steve Clifford. His appointment, coupled with their audaciously young roster, is a clear indication that they are not ready to win yet.
#2. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder is another team that will be relying on their youngsters during the 2021-22 NBA season. Shai-Gilgeous Alexander is an exceptional talent but cannot single-handedly lead the Thunder to an NBA playoffs feature over the top teams in the Western Conference.
Several teams have taken advantage of the 2021 NBA free agency to bolster their ranks for the fierce competition that is to come in the new season. However, the Thunder are still focused on rebuilding as they added four draft picks to their roster.
The Oklahoma City Thunder's inexperience will be a deciding factor in their playoff hopes. Moreso, expecting Mark Daigneault to lead them to an NBA playoffs run in his second season as head coach is a big ask.
#3. Cleveland Cavaliers
Things fell apart for the Cleveland Cavaliers as they have failed to qualify for the NBA playoffs since LeBron James' departure in 2018. Ever since, they have embarked on a rebuilding journey and have acquired some talented youngsters.
Collin Sexton, Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen are exciting prospects that could turn things around for the Cavaliers. They also strengthened their squad with the selection of Evan Mobley in the 2021 NBA Draft. The rookie is likened to Anthony Davis on defense and Chris Bosh on offense.
While the Cleveland Cavaliers can regain their status as heavyweights in the Eastern Conference down the line, it is near impossible for them to qualify for the 2022 NBA playoffs. The resurgence of the New York Knicks and the stacked roster of other top teams will make the top eight battle fierce.
#4. San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs have failed to qualify for the NBA playoffs for two consecutive seasons. Losing DeMar DeRozan, Patty Mills and Rudy Gay will undoubtedly make things a lot harder for Gregg Popovich and the Spurs.
Regardless, there is hope in San Antonio with the likes of Keldon Johnson, Lonnie Walker IV and Dejounte Murray on their roster. For these young lads to help the Spurs secure a spot in the 2022 NBA playoffs, they will need to grow up fast.
The San Antonio Spurs finished 10th in the Western Conference standings with a 33-39 run but failed to take advantage of the play-in tournament. With their top scorer gone, the Spurs are likely to make a third straight lottery trip.
#5. Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons finished dead last in the Eastern Conference and were rewarded during the 2021 NBA Draft Lottery. Selecting Cade Cunningham with the No. 1 pick will be a huge boost for the team, but they are still a long way from qualifying for the NBA playoffs.
Jerami Grant had a breakout season for the Pistons, which prompted his call to the US National Team. He averaged a career-high 22.3 points in his first stint with the franchise.
There is a lot of promise with the team the Detroit Pistons are putting together. However, an NBA playoffs feature in the 2021-22 season is a long shot.
Guess the Lakers players!
