Can’t Be Saved? NBA Teams in Danger of Missing the Playoffs

It’s looking like a tight race for the final few playoff spots in the NBA. Who will make it and who will be left out in the cold?

Introduction

A lot can change in an NBA season. Injuries, trades, and the occasional tanking effort can all shake up the playoff landscape from one year to the next.

But with just over a month left to play in the 2017-18 season, there are a handful of teams that appear to be in serious danger of missing the playoffs.

The Cleveland Cavaliers, for example, are currently in third place in the Eastern Conference, but they are just two games ahead of the ninth-place Detroit Pistons. The Los Angeles Clippers are clinging to the eighth and final playoff spot in the West, but they are just 1.5 games ahead of the 11th-place Denver Nuggets.

So which teams are most likely to miss the playoffs? Here’s a look at four clubs that appear to be in danger of being left out of the postseason party.

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers are currently in danger of missing the playoffs. They are currently the ninth seed in the Eastern Conference, and if they don’t make up some ground, they could be in danger of being left out of the postseason.

The Cavaliers have been struggling as of late, losing four of their last six games. They are currently two games behind the eighth seed Miami Heat, and if they don’t turn things around soon, they could find themselves on the outside looking in come playoff time.

The Cavaliers still have time to turn things around, but they need to start winning games soon if they want to avoid missing the playoffs.

Washington Wizards

Although the Washington Wizards are currently in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, they are only two games behind the Orlando Magic for the final playoff spot. The Wizards have been playing better as of late, winning six of their last ten games. However, their recent success may not be enough to make the playoffs.

The Wizards have a tough schedule for the rest of the season, with games against playoff contenders such as the Toronto Raptors, Milwaukee Bucks, and Indiana Pacers. Additionally, Washington has struggled on the road this season, going just 12-20 away from home. If the Wizards want to make the playoffs, they will need to step up their play both at home and on the road.

Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers are currently in danger of missing the playoffs. With a record of 25-26, they are the 11th seed in the Eastern Conference. They are 3.5 games behind the 8th seed, the Miami Heat. The Pacers have been struggling as of late, losing 5 of their last 10 games.

The Pacers are a young team, with an average age of 26.3. They have a mix of veterans and young players, but their core group is made up of players who are in their 20s. This includes All-Star guard Victor Oladipo, who is 26 years old. The Pacers have a lot of talent, but they have been unable to put it all together this season.

Part of the problem for the Pacers has been injuries. Oladipo missed 11 games early in the season with a knee injury, and starting center Myles Turner has missed 19 games with a variety of injuries. The Pacers have also been without reserve guard Tyreke Evans for much of the season, as he has battled injuries and personal problems.

The Pacers have shown some signs of life lately, winning 3 out of their last 4 games. However, they will need to continue to play well if they want to make the playoffs. With only 27 games left in the season, time is running out for the Indiana Pacers.

Miami Heat

Just two years removed from an NBA title, the Miami Heat find themselves in danger of missing the playoffs entirely. After a red-hot start to the season, the Heat have come back down to earth and now sit at 19-20, good for ninth place in the Eastern Conference. Their recent play has been even more alarming, as they’ve lost nine of their last 11 games.

What’s gone wrong for the Heat? A big part of it has been their defense, which has been porous all season long. They’re currently giving up 105.3 points per game, which is 27th in the NBA. They’ve also struggled to score consistently, as they’re 22nd in the league in points per game (102.1).

With a record like that, it’s no surprise that the Heat are in danger of missing the playoffs. If they don’t turn things around soon, they could be on the outside looking in come April.

Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets are currently the 11th seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 23-42. They are 5.5 games behind the 10th seed Orlando Magic and 6 games behind the 9th seed Washington Wizards. The Hornets have lost 8 of their last 10 games and do not seem to be playing well enough to make a push for the playoffs. With only 17 games left in the season, it is looking very unlikely that the Hornets will be able to make up the ground needed to qualify for the playoffs.

Detroit Pistons

The Detroit Pistons are one of the most storied franchises in NBA history. They have won three NBA championships, and have been to the Finals six times. This season, however, they are in danger of missing the playoffs.

The Pistons have had a rough season. They started off poorly, and then lost their star player, Blake Griffin, to injury. They have been playing better recently, but they are still only ninth in the Eastern Conference standings. They are two games behind the Orlando Magic for the final playoff spot.

The Pistons have a tough schedule remaining. They still have to play the Boston Celtics twice, as well as the Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors, and Indiana Pacers. It is going to be very tough for them to make up ground in the standings.

If the Pistons do miss the playoffs, it will be a disappointing end to what has been a great era in franchise history. But with Blake Griffin set to return next season, they will be one of the favorites to make the playoffs in 2020.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that if your favorite team is not in the top eight spots in their conference, they are in danger of not making the playoffs. In a close race, anything can happen, but it is looking increasingly likely that teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Minnesota Timberwolves will be on the outside looking in come April.