5 Teams to Watch Out for this NBA 2020 Playoffs

The NBA Playoffs is one of the most anticipated games by basketball fans every year. Whether it’s rooting for their favorite, speculating which team wins, or just enjoying a good basketball game, it is undeniable that the NBA has etched itself into sports culture.

This season’s playoffs had many changes, as postponements were made due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The games resumed just this August. Things are now heated up, and only a few teams remain. Who’ll prevail this season? The following are five teams who might make it to the championships.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the strongest competitors this season. They have bagged several NBA records, is one of the teams with the most victories and served as the home to superstars such as Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kobe Bryant.

The Lakers are currently taking the lead in the Western Conference, with 52 wins and 19 losses. They have taken down teams such as the Golden State Warriors and the San Antonio Spurs in the preseason. They’re currently in a match against the Houston Rockets this postseason.

The main attribute to their victories in their lineup. The Lakers boast some of their top players in their current roster, with two of them producing excellent scores: Anthony Davis and LeBron James.

Anthony Davis is a jack of all trades. He’s versatile as he can play almost anywhere and still land a good score. He’s still nearing his prime, meaning he can still improve and contribute so much more.

Meanwhile, LeBron James is a powerful player specializing in the offense and leads the team efficiently. He also makes consistent high scores and makes the players around him perform well. He’s loved and called a legend by many.

Miami Heat

The Miami Heat is another strong contender for this season’s playoffs. A team based in Miami, Florida, they have a record for the third-highest streak in the NBA. Miami Heat is known for its players, such as Chris Bosh, Dwayne Wade, and, at one point, even LeBron James.

Currently, Miami Heat is ranked 5th in the Eastern Conference, with 44 wins and 29 losses. In the preseason, they also faced the Milwaukee Bucks, the team who currently has the most wins in the Eastern Conference.

The Miami Heat play the postseason thanks to its roster. Two notable players contribute to their wins: Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.

Jimmy Butler just entered the team, and despite being new, has already contributed to its success. Last December of 2019, he had an average of 27.5 points per game, and he was sooner announced for his fifth NBA All-Star.

Bam Adebayo has always been part of the Miami Heat as a rookie. His skills improved over time, as reflected in his scores. This season, Adebayo was able to have an average of 20 points. He was recognized as a runner up for the Most Improved Player award and participated in the NBA All-Star Game for the first time.

Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics may also make it this season. They have the most wins more than any other team. The Celtics boast players such as Larry Bird, Bill Russell, and Kevin McHale.

The Celtics currently have 48 wins and 24 losses, the third-highest number of wins in the Eastern Conference. They can win against several teams and are now neck-in-neck against the Toronto Raptors.

The team made it this far thanks to its roster, who worked hard to make it happen. Some of these celebrated players are Kemba Walker and Jayson Tatum.

Kemba Walker is the team point guard and a 4-time NBA All-Star. He earned, more or less, 40 points in the preseason games. In January, he was able to win against LeBron James, earning him his 4th NBA All-Star.

Jayson Tatum has been part of the Celtics since his rookie years and has played with them for three seasons. He has kept scoring high points for this season, at least 35 to 40, against several teams.

Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors are a strong winning candidate for this season’s playoffs, especially that they’re the previous NBA champion. The raptors have been the home to great players Vince Carter and Chris Bosh.

The raptors are eager to win to keep their championship title from last season. They are the team with the second-highest number of wins in the Eastern Conference, with 53 wins and 19 losses. The raptors will soon be up in another game against the Boston Celtics.

What makes the raptors good is that they have a specialized defense system. It was devised by their head coach, Nick Nurse, saying it had to be set up where opponents cannot find a way out. The strength of the raptors is also attributed to its members. Two good performing players are Serge Ibaka and Kyle Lowry.

Serge Ibaka was originally a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Orlando Magic before the Toronto Raptors. This season, he scored high points, assists, and rebounds.

Kyle Lowry is one of the best Raptors players and is known for his tenacity and leadership. He’s referred to as tough and solid and can read through defenses. Lowry is considered one of the best point guards in the Eastern Conference.

Los Angeles Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers is also an aspiring contender for the NBA championship. The Clippers boast players Chris Paul and Elton Brand.

Just second to the Lakers, the Clippers have a high amount of wins in the Western Conference, with 49 wins and 23 losses. They’re currently in a series of games against the Denver Nuggets.

Like any other NBA team, they’re enthusiastic and will do their best to win. Steve Ballmer has supported and adequately funded his members’ needs.

One exceptional player has received a lot of attention from fans, and that is Kawhi Leonard. He has proven himself one of the best players last season and will prove it again. Leonard works well with Paul George, another exceptional player, who has 11.2 points over their opponents despite not spending a lot of time together.

Takeaway

Basketball is a thrilling sport enjoyed by millions around the globe. What adds to the fun in NBA matches is speculating who’ll win. This can be studied in different ways, such as players’ stats, previous team scores, and reading the odds on sites like Betmaster sports betting online. Who do you think will win the NBA finals this season?