NBA Playoff Projections: You Might Be Surprised

We are well into the NBA season already, and have been able to see who some of the contenders and pretenders are this year. There are some teams that have established themselves in legitimacy, while others have fallen off the radar. Even though some teams are playing terrible, there are still some teams out of the playoff picture that are seen as underdog teams that might make a run at the playoffs, and upset some teams.

Miami Heat

The Miami Heat are a team in prime position to win another NBA Championship. Their roster is deeper than ever with the additions of Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis, and their ability at being able to make three pointers. LeBron James is playing as good as he ever has, and Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh are still playing at a high level, and look to repeat their title.

Oklahoma City Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder are a team to look out for in the western conference led by Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Despite the loss of James Harden, Durant and Westbrook have elevated their game and made the Thunder as good of a threat to win the championship as any team. Kevin Martin and Serge Ibaka have also played at a high level this year, limiting the impact of the loss of James Harden.

Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns are one of the underdog teams that might make a run at the playoffs. Signing Gorgan Drajic was essential for the Suns, who are seeing him play the best basketball of his life. Five players are averaging at least ten points a game for the Suns, and there are more players that could get into that category soon. You might want to consider getting some Phoenix Suns tickets with their high tempo style and ability to break games open. There's no doubt the Suns are a team to keep your eyes on in the second half of the season.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers have been a disappointment so far this year with their losing record and the fact they are outside of the playoff picture right now. With the offseason acquisition of All-Stars Steve Nash and Dwight Howard, their roster alone makes you think that they would be a top team in the western conference, but they have been ravaged by injuries all year long and are still suffering. They will find their identity and make the playoffs, and once they do and if they are healthy, you will need to watch out for them.

Toronto Raptors

The Raptors have not had a winning record in years and have not earned too much respect around the league, but they have shown that they have the ability to win this year. Despite a terrible start that included many last second losses, the Raptors got their act together before Christmas, and won seven of eight games. They showed that they could be a team to lookout for. The impending return of Andrea Bargnani should bolster the lineup even further in their chase for the playoffs.

The outlook on both conferences in the NBA suggests that most teams still have a shot to make the playoffs with only a few exceptions. There are lots of underdog teams that are equipped to surprise many people if they get hot at the right time, while there are also teams established that are contenders to win the NBA championship. There is still a lot of the season left, but the storylines in the NBA season continue to grow with close playoff races and players playing better than ever.