NBA · 1 year ago

NBA Playoff Power Rankings: Resurgent Nuggets Back on Top?

Ben DiGiacomo

Host · Writer

1. Boston Celtics
Last Ranking: 1

Even though we view the Boston Celtics as the best team in basketball, they haven’t looked as dominant as expected this postseason. The Miami Heat had no business winning a game. The Cleveland Cavaliers have been much more competitive than anyone expected, primarily due to the Celtics playing down to competition. A favorable draw is the benefit of having the No. 1 seed, but it will be interesting to see how they look when their quality of opponent drastically leaps in the NBA Finals.

Conference Championship Odds: -650

NBA Finals Odds: -140
8. Cleveland Cavaliers
Last Ranking: 8

The Cleveland Cavaliers have competed with the Boston Celtics much better than anyone expected, but they look entirely overmatched. The injury bug is undoubtedly doing them no favors, making Game 5 in Boston appear to be an insurmountable obstacle for the Cavs to overcome. It’s been a good season for Cleveland; now the hope is that it all doesn’t get blown up this offseason by a Donovan Mitchell trade request.

Conference Championship Odds: +33000

NBA Finals Odds: +100000
7. New York Knicks
Last Ranking: 4 (-3)

After taking care of business in Madison Square Garden in Games 1 and 2, the New York Knicks dropped Game 3, got demolished in Game 4, and are now even more banged up heading into Game 5. OG Anunoby is out, and more importantly, Jalen Brunson appears hobbled. The Pacers are full of momentum and confidence and are the best all-around team currently constructed.

Conference Championship Odds: +900

NBA Finals Odds: +3100
6. Indiana Pacers
Last Ranking: 6

Game 4 was everything for the Indiana Pacers as they embarrassed the New York Knicks in every area. Game 5 will be a bloodbath, but with OG Anunoby out, Game 5 is there for the taking, and the sportsbooks are giving the Pacers their respect as they sit as the favorites to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. Still, I’d take any active Western Conference squad over the Pacers, furthering the narrative that the Boston Celtics have been granted an absolute cakewalk to the NBA Finals. Good for them, though!

Conference Championship Odds: +1000

NBA Finals Odds: +5000
5. Dallas Mavericks
Last Ranking: 5 (+2)

The Dallas Mavericks had a chance to bury the Oklahoma City Thunder as they led the game heading into the fourth quarter of Game 4 on Monday night. However, after executing poorly in the clutch, the Mavericks return on the road in a knotted series. The Mavericks' offensive firepower hasn’t been able to get in a consistent groove, given the Thunder’s defensive versatility. Still, it’s clear that they can beat anyone when the Mavs are at the top of their game. Still, they are now the underdogs in this series after having the Thunder briefly on the ropes, yet I think we can anticipate a Game 7 in this series.

Conference Championship Odds: +470

NBA Finals Odds:+1300
4. Oklahoma City Thunder
Last Ranking: 3 (-2)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander solidified his superstar status on Monday night as he put the Oklahoma City Thunder on his back in the fourth quarter to will them to victory in Game 4 to knot the series up. It was everything you want to see from the face of your franchise, and now, the Thunder regain the home-court advantage with a trip to the Western Conference Finals within sight. Still, this series feels destined to go seven.

Conference Championship Odds: +260

NBA Finals Odds: +750
3. Minnesota Timberwolves
Last Ranking: 1 (-3)

The Minnesota Timberwolves had many predicting they would win the NBA Finals, given how dominant they looked against the Denver Nuggets in Games 1 and 2 on the road. Still, after a disastrous weekend on their home court, the Wolves now head back to Denver in a tied-up series. Is it fair to say that the Wolves may have taken their foot off the gas pedal, thinking the series was already won? Absolutely, but I certainly don’t anticipate this squad running from the fight in Game 5 on the road. The winner of this series should ultimately reach the Finals, and for fandom’s sake, I hope we’re gifted a Game 7.

Conference Championship Odds: +310

NBA Finals Odds: +80
2. Denver Nuggets
Last Ranking: 7 (+5)

What a difference a weekend made for the Denver Nuggets! After looking dead in the water heading into Game 3 in Minnesota, the Wolves looked to channel their championship identity when it mattered most. Could the Wolves have thought they already had the series won and got caught with their pants down? Very possibly. But that’s the nature of the beast, and the Nuggets capitalized. Every road team has won in this series, so Game 5 in Denver will surely be good.

Conference Championship Odds: +140

NBA Finals Odds: +370
1. Boston Celtics
Last Ranking: 1

Even though we view the Boston Celtics as the best team in basketball, they haven’t looked as dominant as expected this postseason. The Miami Heat had no business winning a game. The Cleveland Cavaliers have been much more competitive than anyone expected, primarily due to the Celtics playing down to competition. A favorable draw is the benefit of having the No. 1 seed, but it will be interesting to see how they look when their quality of opponent drastically leaps in the NBA Finals.

Conference Championship Odds: -650

NBA Finals Odds: -140
8. Cleveland Cavaliers
Last Ranking: 8

The Cleveland Cavaliers have competed with the Boston Celtics much better than anyone expected, but they look entirely overmatched. The injury bug is undoubtedly doing them no favors, making Game 5 in Boston appear to be an insurmountable obstacle for the Cavs to overcome. It’s been a good season for Cleveland; now the hope is that it all doesn’t get blown up this offseason by a Donovan Mitchell trade request.

Conference Championship Odds: +33000

NBA Finals Odds: +100000

NBA Playoff Power Rankings: Resurgent Nuggets Back on Top?

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