Reason Behind Each Eastern NBA Team's Championship losses
A Smack Down on the Eastern Conference's Slim Chance of NBA Champdom
The excitement is in the air as eight Eastern Conference teams gear up for the playoffs, but unfortunately, the chances of a single one of these squads taking home the Larry O'Brien Trophy are slimmer than a Victoria's Secret model.
From the Cavs to the Bucks, these teams are plagued by a multitude of flaws that are likely to be their undoing. Some are hobbled by a history of playoff failures, while others are burdened with injuries and locker room drama. Here's a rundown of what's holding each East contender back, with all the detail you could crave without drowning you in it.
The Raptors: A Gruesome Playoff Past
Toronto's biggest obstacle this season is their dismal playoff history. Despite posting 48-plus wins in the last five seasons, the Raptors have failed to make it past the first round twice and were swept by the Cavs in the Eastern Conference Finals last year.
This year's crew is stronger and more well-rounded than previous squads, but they haven't yet proven they have the mental fortitude to win it all. Their toughness has been suspect recently, with the Raptors losing four of their last seven games and conceding a horrendous 49.4% field-goal percentage since mid-March.
The Cavs: Lack of (On-court) Reputation
Undoubtedly, no team has faced as much upheaval this season as the Cavaliers, who gutted their roster at the trade deadline, resulting in a lack of continuity on the court. Cavs' players have spent more time swapping spots than Kardashian family members on the red carpet. This instability will be fatal once teams triple team LeBron and dare the rest of the Cavs to beat them.
The Celtics: Missing Kyrie
The Celtics' chances of snagging the NBA championship were already marginal with Kyrie Irving, but without him, they've got zero shot. Uncle Drew is Boston's best playmaker, top scorer, and finisher, and he's the only player on the team capable of consistently penetrating defenses and getting to the rim.
Without him, the Celtics' offensive rating drops by a staggering 7.3 points per 100 possessions, and that figure will likely rise in the playoffs when the pace slows and the intensity ramps up.
The Sixers: Embiid's Timely Mishap
The Sixers were poised for a feel-good season with their historic, young core, but Joel Embiid's brutal injury in March put a swift end to their fairy tale. Embiid is one of the key pillars of the team, and his absence will be catastrophic for Philadelphia's playoff chances. The Sixers have outscored opponents by an impressive 11.6 points per 100 possessions when Embiid is on the court, but they struggle when he's sidelined.
The Wizards: Losing Momentum at the Worst Time
If you thought Washington's dismal performance against the Knicks and the Bulls was disappointing in December, just wait until you see what they do during the playoffs. The Wizards have been struggling to find their rhythm at the end of the season, dropping five of their last seven games, and momentum is everything during the postseason.
The Pacers: Oladipo's Postseason Fizzle
The Pacers have a secret that they'd rather not let slip: Victor Oladipo's playoff game falls apart like a Beanie Baby with SIDS. During his 2016-2017 playoff debut for the Thunder, Oladipo laid an egg, performing poorly on offense and struggling to find his shooting touch. This season, opposing defenses will pounce on Oladipo's weaknesses, leaving the Pacers stranded in the sea of competition.
The Bucks: A Fragile Bench
Milwaukee's bench is their greatest liability. The Bucks have the second-worst bench scoring in the league, with a measly 27.1 points per game, and their performance plummets when Giannis Antetokounmpo and Eric Bledsoe take a breather. Both stars are young enough to play max minutes in the playoffs, but they won't get the help they desperately need from any of the team's reserves. Malcolm Brogdon is injure, Jabari Parker is a bit rusty, Thon Maker is two-dimensional, and Jason Terry is pushing senior discounts at IHOP.
The Heat: Hassan Whiteside's Discontent
Hassan Whiteside's disgruntled attitude has caused a stir in Miami, with the center openly complaining about his minutes and the team's substitution strategy. If Hassan isn't as good as Hassan thinks he is, the Heat wouldn't be suffering from this issue. Whiteside's poor attitude could derail Miami's playoff run if he doesn't get his act together.
Odds of Winning the NBA Championship (these are just for fun – don't bet your house on them):
- Toronto Raptors – 10:1
- Cleveland Cavaliers – 12:1
- Boston Celtics – 20:1
- Philadelphia 76ers – 66:1
- Washington Wizards – 100:1
- Indiana Pacers – 100:1
- Milwaukee Bucks – 150:1
- Miami Heat – 150:1
The line for the Raptors in the NBA Championship odds is set at 10:1, reflecting their dismal playoff history and questionable mental fortitude, despite their strength and balance this season.
The Cavaliers, with their recent roster upheaval and lack of continuity, have odds of 12:1, which indicate a tough road to the championship for LeBron James and his teammates.
The Celtics, without their star player Kyrie Irving, have long odds of 20:1, making their already slim chances of winning the NBA title virtually impossible.
The Sixers, whose season was halted by Joel Embiid's injury, face steep odds of 66:1, a reflection of their struggles without their key player.
The Wizards, who lost momentum at the worst possible time, have the longest odds of any Eastern Conference team at 100:1, which illustrates the challenge they face in the postseason.
The Pacers, with Victor Oladipo's playoff struggles, face an uphill battle with odds of 100:1, while the Bucks, with their fragile bench, have odds of 150:1, illustrating the tough road ahead for the Milwaukee team.
Lastly, the Heat's odds of 150:1 are reflective of the discontent issue surrounding Hassan Whiteside and his potential impact on the team's playoff run. The nwzcp3e15vk suggests that betting on any of these teams might not be the smartest move in NBA sports.
