As another successful season winds down for each team, the NBA teams each played in hopes to make into the top eight of their conference. However, the teams who are leading their conference are secured with a spot. In the Eastern conference, the Miami Heat stands in first place followed closely by the Indiana Pacers. In the Western conference, the San Antonio Spurs take a great lead followed by the Oklahoma City Thunder. While the top teams can make it to the playoffs without a problem, the bottom teams are trying to steal the last spots. In the Eastern Conference, the Atlanta Hawks placed eighth with thirty-two wins and forty-one losses, while the New York Knicks placed ninth with thirty-two wins and forty-three losses. The last few matches will be crucial in terms of determining the team that will gain the last spot of the Eastern conference.
On the other hand, three outstanding teams are competing for the No.7 and No.8 seeds in the Western conference—each having the same numbers of wins and losses. Whether the Dallas Mavericks, the Memphis Grizzlies, or the Phoenix Suns will hold the position depends on their performance for the next three games.
Watchers are predicting the team that will earn the NBA title for the 2014 season as they compare team stats and key players. Rana Shahani ’16 comments, “Given the contrasting records of the eastern and western conference, I’m quite confident that the winner will most likely come from the western conference. However, we must never forget the two-time defending champions, the Miami Heat.”
The San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat are being closely watched by sports reporters as being top picks for the upcoming year.
Sowmya Mannimala ’17 adds, “My father is a big fan of the NBA, and I hope the teams that are pushing their expectations the furthest will earn their reward.”
The playoff season officially started on April 19th – be sure to support your favorite team as they hopefully exceed their feats and fight for the title.