USA TODAY International Edition
Ranking ‘ bubble’ teams on upset potential
The NBA is giving six non- playoff teams a unique opportunity to make the postseason upon its return July 31 at Disney World, with eight regular- season games prior to the start of the playoffs and a potential play- in tournament for the eighth seed.
If the ninth- place team in either conference finishes within four games of eighth, the teams would face off in a play- in scenario for the No. 8 seed. The ninth- place team would need to win twice to clinch the playoff spot, and the eighth- place need would need to win once.
Which of the six teams that are currently outside the playoff field has the best chance to make a surprise playoff appearance? Ranking the "bubble" teams based on upset potential:
1. New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans are 31⁄ games behind the Memphis
2
Grizzlies for the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference, so they'll have work to do in eight games to get within four games and force an 8- 9 elimination game.
Prior to the season postponement, New Orleans was starting to find its identity and won eight of 13 behind rookie phenom Zion Williamson. Brandon Ingram is an All- Star who can carry a team, and Lonzo Ball's playmaking make this squad scary.
2. Portland Trail Blazers. Damian Lillard's ability to take over will always make the Blazers dangerous, and the team should be healthier after four months off. Jusuf Nurkic and Zach Collins are expected back from injury. With Carmelo Anthony an X- factor, there's a chance for Portland to benefit from the layoff and go far.
3. San Antonio Spurs. A Gregg Popovich- coached team should never be counted out. The narrative of a downturn for the franchise could be altered with a late playoff push. DeMar DeRozan will have to be on his A- game with LaMarcus Aldridge out, but Orlando could be the exact environment for this group to come into its own just in time.
4. Sacramento Kings. Aiding the Kings' pursuit is a favorable schedule to potentially catch playoff teams. Still, there's little playoff experience in their young nucleus of De'Aaron Fox and Buddy Hield so it's difficult to imagine a deep run even if SacTown can squeeze into the postseason.
5. Phoenix Suns. On paper, the Suns have a playoff roster spearheaded by Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton. But Phoenix's West position, in 13th place and 21⁄ games back of the No. 9 spot,
2 makes it a fairly large hole to dig out of. Still, a barrage of Booker's long- range bombs could spur a big push in Orlando.
6. Washington Wizards. Being five games behind the eighth- place Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference would keep Washington out of the playoff picture in normal circumstances.
But the NBA's format means that if Bradley Beal and the Wizards can get hot, there's a small chance to make the postseason.