NBA Playoffs: Ranking the Remaining Teams

The playoffs have met the expectations so far, but there hasn’t been any major upsets. Without the upset factor, it just gets boring after a while. Right now, the Heat are up 1-0 to the Pacers after winning a toughly fought Game 1. Paul George hit an incredible 3-pointer to send the game to overtime, where he scored three crucial free throws to gain the lead. He played incredibly in crunch time, but LeBron James was just a little better. With just 2.2 seconds left, James broke free and scored the easy layup for the win.

Now, however, the Pacers are going to comeback even stronger than ever. As for the other series, the Spurs have dominated the Grizzlies, despite being given a run for their money in game two. They haven’t, however, secured the series victory yet. Which teams have the best chance at getting the title?

May 22, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat point guard Norris Cole (30) drivers to the basket as Indiana Pacers power forward David West (21) defends during the second half in game one of the Eastern Conference finals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Miami wins in overtime 103-102. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

1. Heat:

No disputes here, right? Dwyane Wade is feeling pretty confident, as he’s already picked out his outfits for the finals. It may seem arrogant, but it could also just be a confidence level. His Heat are doing well right now, and looking unstoppable. Many think that the Pacers are the only team in the Eastern Conference that is capable of taking down the Heat. I tend to agree with that because they have so much depth, and an adequate center in Roy Hibbert. If they utilize him, they should do well. Still, however, the Heat have three of the best players in the NBA. That’s tough to deal with.

2. Spurs:

The Spurs are up 2-0 to the Memphis Grizzlies after two games. It may seem odd, but they might actually be able to make it back to the NBA Finals. After everyone thought they were too old, and that their times were finished, they responded with yet another strong season, finishing at the 2nd seed, and were able to make a deep postseason run. They’re once again solid. Tony Parker is dealing with some injury, but it isn’t serious, and Tim Duncan knows how to take over games. Danny Green has been hitting every shot lately, and even Kawhi Leonard is looking like a veteran. This San Antonio team may be as unstoppable as the Heat.

3. Grizzlies:

The Grizzlies are one of the best defensive teams in the NBA, but so far, have failed to show that against the Grizzlies. Last series, in the first round against the Clippers, however, the Grizzlies were able to win four straight after losing the first two. When their defense starts to click, it can get to be a very long night for the other team. They have a good shot at beating San Antonio, but they’re going to have to make some key adjustments when dealing with some of the Spurs bigs, who have played Zach Randolph very well.

4. Pacers:

The Pacers are last on a rankings list. That could only happen in the Conference Finals. It’s going to be tough for the Pacers, who are playing the defending champions, to move one. They’re a very young team who is extremely good at times, but still is at the mercy of the King and the royalty of the Heat. When you have some of the best basketball players in the universe, you better be winning. The only way that the Pacers can jump this hurtle is for them to get Roy Hibbert back into the game. The Heat have nobody that can guard him. Lately, he’s been playing decently well, but will have to return to all-star ways.