The Phoenix Suns are on a redemption tour
Note: 2022 NBA title odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook. Let's break down what you need to know about the 16 teams still playing for a title, including storylines, stats and stars you can't miss this postseason. The Miami Heat lead the way, but Giannis Antetokounmpo and the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks, as well as Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and the surging Boston Celtics and Joel Embiid, James Harden and the revamped Philadelphia 76ers were on Miami's heels throughout the second half.Īnd we didn't even mention the Brooklyn Nets, who, after an injury- and drama-filled season, are lurking as the East's seven seed.
According to ESPN Stats & Information research, it's the closest for any conference since the NBA-ABA merger in 1976-77. 1 through 10 seeds were separated by just 10 games. In the Eastern Conference, the bracket was so tightly packed that the Nos. Oh, and the Golden State Warriors are back in the playoffs for the first time since reaching the Finals in 2019. The Phoenix Suns ran away with the league's best regular-season record - eight games better than their closest challenger - but can Devin Booker and Chris Paul lead a second straight run to the Finals? They'll have to contend with a host of Western Conference contenders, including Luka Doncic and the dangerous Dallas Mavericks, reigning MVP and current award favorite Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets and Ja Morant and the young but bold Memphis Grizzlies. The NBA postseason is here, and the 75th season in league history could deliver one of its most wide-open chases to the title.