NBA: Which Teams Will Shrink in the Playoffs?

Each of the 16 teams that make the playoffs deserve to be in that spot, but not all of them can stay there. What I mean by that is that there are many teams that are good and wiling, but will shrink because of inexperience, or lack of a good home crowd. Teams like the Heat and Spurs, of course, are exempt from this list, but who will disappear in the playoffs?

Mar 30, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Monta Ellis (11) knocks the ball away from Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the fourth quarter at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Oklahoma City won 109-99. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

1. Milwaukee Bucks:

Sorry, Milwaukee! As much of a supporter I am of Monta Ellis, the Bucks will definitely not beat the Heat. That’s not the question here, however. In the playoffs, there’s a different atmosphere. The Bucks are inexperienced, and don’t have a complete team. They’re starting two poing guards, and couldn’t be worse equipped to play the Heat.

They may have a good home crowd, but against the Heat, half of them won’t be fans. Some may think that the Bucks will stick around for 6 games, but I think they’ll get swept by the rolling Heat. Watch out. This is going to be a very early playoff exit.

2. Utah Jazz:

If the Jazz make the playoffs, they’re not going to do well. This may come across as a hate article, but rest assured, it isn’t at all. I just don’t think the Jazz have what it takes to beat the Spurs. Last year, the Spurs swept them easily and effortlessly. It may be the same case this year. Utah will go down in 4 games once again.

3. Indiana Pacers:

I may regret putting the Pacers on this list, but they’ve been plagued with some problems this season. For one, Roy Hibbert isn’t nearly as good has he was last year, and his production is way down. That’s why they have Paul George, right? Well if George is the franchise player, why is he only averaging 17 PPG. That just won’t do for the playoffs.

Also, the season ending surgery of Danny Granger is a bit tough to overlook. We’re talking about a guy who consistently scored over 20 points per game. Granger is a serious loss, and the Pacers could be looking at a disappointing exit this year.

4. Los Angeles Clippers:

This is another team I may regret putting on this list, but it has to be done. Sorry, LA! I feel as if they’re one piece away from being perennial contenders. With their current roster, Griffin can be shut down, and that leaves one all-star. We all now how that went for Chris Paul in New Orleans.