NBA: 5 Teams That Are Trending Up

So far this season, there are plenty of teams who have had it going at different times. This includes a list of five teams that really have it going right now.

Don’t be disappointed, especially if your team doesn’t belong on this list. The NBA is full of 16 teams that are striving to make the playoffs. In the East, the positions are pretty much decided, but the final four slots in the West are still being fought for. Which teams have enough momentum to make the playoffs, and go for deep runs?

1. Miami Heat:

Mar 12, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) is pressured by Atlanta Hawks small forward Dahntay Jones (30) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Heat are rolling right now and there’s no questioning that. Right now, they are on an 18 game winning streak, and destroying all competition. This has been their most amazing run since acquiring LeBron James. The Heat are going to run this momentum right into the post-season.

LeBron James has already had the taste of one title, and after that sweet taste, he’s not stopping at anything to get another one. He and Dwyane Wade will surely continue this hot streak and get right to the playoffs with a considerable distance behind the second seeded Knicks or Pacers.

2. Indiana Pacers:

The Pacers are the under-the-radar team of this year. So far, they’ve done an outstanding job based on performances by George Hill, a rising Point Guard, and Paul George, and incredible athlete and all-star. The Pacers were up 2-1 on the Heat last year in the playoffs, but were sadly and harshly eliminated by the Heat. Now, they’re back with a vengeance, and have been knocking teams off left, right, and center.

3. Los Angeles Lakers:

I said it from the time where the Lakers were having a horrible stretch: there is no possible way that Kobe Bryant will allow his team to slip beyond the playoffs.

Once the Lakers make the playoffs, which they will, they are going to make some noise. They’ve already beaten the Spurs and the Thunder this year with ease. Watch out, they’re coming, and Kobe is on the quest for a sixth title. There is nobody that wants it more than Kobe Bryant right now, and he has shown it through the play of his team.

4. Denver Nuggets:

Mar 7, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets small forward Kenneth Faried (35) reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 102-97. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Ever since surpassing the Warriors for the fifth position, the Nuggets have put all critics to silence by going on a very hot run, which included a 6-0 stretch where they beat incredible teams.

Yes, it’s true that other teams have problems playing in Denver, but a team has to be good to get some wins, and the Nuggets have shown just how deadly they can be. Lead by Ty Lawson, the Nuggets have been flying high and are going to cruise right into the playoffs, possibly beating the Grizzlies in the first round.

5. Memphis Grizzlies:

I know I just said that the Nuggets have a good shot at beating the Grizzlies, but since the trade of Rudy Gay, the Grizzlies have been better than ever. Before, they were enjoying the rewards of a healthy roster. Once they traded Gay, critics started to chatter.

After the Grizzlies won eight straight, however, they were silenced. The Grizzlies are going to ride into the playoffs no problem, they may even finish in the third seed. The problem is that they may have to play the Nuggets.