5 teams that might not make the Playoffs in the 2021-22 NBA season

#3. Cleveland Cavaliers

Collin Sexton #2 jokes with Andre Drummond #3 of the 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.

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#4. San Antonio Spurs

DeMar DeRozan #10 of the 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.

Patty Mills was a San Antonio Spurs great so have the Brooklyn Nets picked up the most underrated signing of NBA free agency? 🏀👇

— Sky Sports NBA (@SkySportsNBA) August 16, 2021

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.

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#5. Detroit Pistons

Cade Cunningham #2 of the 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.

.@CadeCunningham_ was ON ONE from deep against the Knicks 💦 pic.twitter.com/jsHzNbfq6u

— ESPN (@espn) August 14, 2021

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.