NBA Predictions: Surprise Teams That Will Make Playoff Runs
Every year, some team comes out of nowhere and surprises the basketball world by reaching the playoffs. These teams, pegged for the lottery before the season, defy expectations and make the playoffs.
This year will be no different. Which teams will come out of nowhere and make the playoffs? We give you some candidates.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland has developed a nice stable of talent. Led by Kyrie Irving, who won the Rookie of the Year, the Cavs could take a leap forward this season.
Irving will be joined by an explosive scorer in Dion Waiters, their first-round pick this year. That will take some pressure off of Irving. Tristan Thompson should take a leap forward, and the addition of a steady center in Tyler Zeller will stabilize the defense.
Yes, they're young. But they're full of talent, led by the budding superstar Irving. They will have to overachieve, to be sure, but if the pieces can come together, they can sneak into the playoffs.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves are stocked with talent. But Kevin Love, their superstar, is out six-to-eight weeks with a broken hand.
Still, fear not Wolves fans. There is still plenty of talent on this team. Andrei Kirilenko has been rejuvenated after playing in Russia and was fantastic in the Olympics. Nikola Pekovic, Derrick Williams and Alexey Shved can handle the load, too.
They should be able to keep the team above water until Love and Ricky Rubio come back. When they do, they should be able to get hot.
The Wolves, through aggressive drafting and international signings, have put themselves in a good position. Guys like Luke Ridnour bring veteran savvy.
It all comes down to how they play without Love and Rubio. If they can hold the fort down, they will surely be a playoff team—one that is capable of making a deep run.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks have a potentially explosive, or disastrous backcourt. How Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings co-exist will determine if they make the playoffs.
If they can, they will have one of the best scoring backcourts in the league. Both are capable of dropping 30 a night.
If teams decide to load up on the backcourt to try and stop Ellis and Jennings, then there are enough guys to reap the benefits. Ersan Ilyasova had a huge season last year, averaging 13 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. He had a 25-rebound game, as well as a 19-rebound game. He can make things happen in the post.
With an explosive backcourt and an athletic and defensively sound frontcourt, the Bucks could make the playoffs. It all depends, of course, on how Jennings and Ellis work together. If they can, watch out.
