The 2021-2022 NBA Season so far has captivated basketball fans around the world. On any given night, fans are treated to an extraordinary superstar performance, an epic comeback, or a surprising result. For instance, who could have predicted that the Timberwolves and Cavaliers would be in line to make the playoffs if it started today? In the Cavaliers’ case, they are a top-four seed. Yes, the NBA is poised to have a wild finish to the season, and in this article, we will discuss the top five stories to watch in the sprint to the Larry O’Brien trophy.
5. Can the Warriors catch the Suns for the best record?-after the Warriors started the season with a sizzling 18-2 record, the Dubs fell off the pace, and the Suns surged past them in the standings. At 48-10, the Suns were expected to get the best record and home-court advantage in all the playoffs. However, over All-Star weekend, the news broke that Chris Paul will miss the next 6-8 weeks due to a right thumb avulsion fracture. The Suns now face an uncertain finish to the regular season without their floor general. The potential return of Draymond Green and James Wiseman can reignite the Warriors to make a big run. I think the Suns will hold off the Warriors, and the 6.5 game lead will be too much to reel in.
4. Will the Lakers make the playoffs?-the Lakers have a 27-31 and are currently in 9th place in the Western Conference. After starting the season as co-favorites with the Nets to win the title, the Lakers’ season has been ravaged by injury and disastrous play. The acquisition of Russell Westbrook has backfired, and there appears to be discontent with Lebron James’ camp about Rob Pelinka stubbornly holding on to the 2027 first-round pick at the trade deadline to salvage the season. With Anthony Davis out for the next four weeks with a mid-foot sprain, the Lakers will face a tall order to make it to the playoffs against one of the toughest remaining schedules. However, for them to fall out of the play-in tournament, the Spurs currently in the number 11 seed at 23-36 will need to go on a tear, and I don’t see that happening. If the Lakers can climb to number 6, then they could take advantage of the Grizzlies’ lack of playoff experience. I think the Lakers will be in the play-in tournament but will not make it out of the first round.
3. Who will win MVP?-the MVP race is one of the widest open races in the history of the NBA. With so much to be determined in the league, this race will change from game to game. At this point, Joel Embiid is the consensus leader towards winning the award. The race includes Ja Morant, Nikola Jokic, Steph Curry, Giannis, Devin Booker, and even outside chance for DeMar DeRozan. It will be interesting to see who can step up and carry their team on their back into the playoffs. I have Steph Curry sneaking past Embiid to snatch the crown after winning the All-Star MVP and a record-breaking season. Surprise, we know we are going on a ledge but the man has been that special.
2. Will the Sixers and Nets face off in the first round?-every NBA fan will be cheering for this matchup. The Sixers are currently the number 3 seed, and the Nets are in the 8th slot. I expect the Nets to slide up to the 6th or 5th spot which makes this matchup a mouthwatering prospect. The blockbuster trade with the centerpiece of James Harden for Ben Simmonds will cause animosity, and both superstars will be out to quiet the opposing fanbase and naysayers. I would love to see these two teams go head to head in the playoffs, and the earlier round will make the stakes even higher.
1. Who will be the top seed in the East?-the Eastern Conference top 8 feels like the final lap of an 800-meter final at the Olympics. A cluster of runners heading down the final stretch, and there is anxiety that the feet of close runners will trip you before making it to the finish line. The top eight teams in the conference are separated by only 7 games. The Raptors in 7th place are behind the top teams by only five games. It will mean that every night there will be scoreboard-watching, nail biting, and putting together a great run could mean home-court advantage in the conference.
Yes, we are poised for a mind-blowing end to this season, and we would not want it any other way.