Everyone keeps talking about the Lakers and the Clippers out West and in most cases, a solo race in the East with the Nets, but the big question is, why are people over looking these other teams? The Nets and the Lakers have had seen there stars missed over 100 games total between the two teams stars and there are so many questions of when they will be on the court and when they won't. So why are people locking them in for the finals? Then you add the Clippers in the mix. Though they aren't facing many injuries, Kawhi is finding himself out of games because of rest management and at times, small injuries. Overall though, they have been playing well.
Teams that Deserve More Respect in their pursuit of the NBA Finals:
Phoenix Suns:
The Suns are on the tail of the Jazz and within the week, they could have sole possession of 1st place in the West.... not the east, the west. Phoenix did not even make the playoffs last season, but trading for All Star and future Hall of Famer Chris Paul really has helped to improve this team and mature the young stars in Deandre Ayton and Devin Booker.
Utah Jazz:
I debated back and forth whether or not to include the Jazz. "Dante, why wouldn't you include the Jazz!" The Jazz are actually beginning to fall behind. Ever since Mitchell was hurt, they have begun losing games and not to good teams.... to the Timberwolves. Their NBA Finals hopes will solely rest on Donovan Mitchell's health and when he will be back on the court at full strengtth. Without him, they do not stand a chance.
Milwaukee Bucks:
The Bucks have not been themselves this season but they have not fallen too far behind. Giannis and the Bucks are playing good basketball as of late and sit at the 3 spot in the East. With about 9 games left in the season, Milwaukee actually has a chance to make a run at the two spot. With the Nets and Bucks meeting up again this week, the Bucks can knock off another game of separation between the two. The Nets have a tough schedule remaining while the Bucks have a schedule which puts them in a decent position to win out or at least most of their games. The Bucks could get them home court advantage through the first two rounds of the playoffs. Though it is difficult, it is possible
Philadelphia 76ers:
People continue to want to talk about the Nets walking away with the East, well I think the argument should be why the 76ers don't have a clear path to the finals. Alright, now let me put my bias aside. The 76ers are dominant. When Embiid plays, the 76ers barely lose. Okay okay, you're question is, "Well what if Embiid doesn't play?" His big knee injury put him out for about 3 weeks which set the 76ers back a little bit but the 76ers still played well in his absence. The 76ers arguably have one of the most consistent teams in the NBA. Other than Embiid's one big injury, their starters are staying healthy.
I forgot to mention how the 76ers have arguably the DPOY on their roster in Ben Simmons. The All Star guards positions 1-5 and at an extremely high level, shutting stars down.
It is Time to stop locking the NBA Finals Match up in and begin looking at other possible NBA Finals candidates
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