The NBA season is nearing its halfway point, and a lot of the same teams from last year are at the top of the standings.
But, like every year, there are some newcomers that few expected to experience such success. Whether it’s playoff teams turning into championship contenders or struggling teams realizing their postseason potential, these squads will look to continue defying expectations into the new year.
5. Boston Celtics
The Celtics went 49-33 last season and finished fourth in the East, so most probably expected them to make the postseason again this year. But they’ve performed exceptionally well, earning a 20-7 record that’s good enough for second in the Conference.
The C’s replaced Kyrie Irving with Kemba Walker, another All-Star who packs the same scoring punch and is much less likely to cause any problems in the locker room or with the media. Also, the acquisition of Enes Kanter added an inside threat to the team’s already potent nucleus of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Gordon Hayward. The season is still young, but Boston is 11-1 at home and rolling.
Are they for real?
Yes. The Celtics don’t have a true superstar, but their starting five is dangerous enough to beat anyone in the league. If they can get better production from their centers and continue to play stellar defense, the Celtics will be a legitimate threat in the playoffs.
4. Toronto Raptors
It’s quite common for championship teams to experience a down year after going all the way, but these Raptors must not have gotten that memo. They’re currently fourth in the East with a 21-8 record despite losing Kawhi Leonard to the Clippers. Pascal Siakam and Fred Van Vleet have had to step up for Toronto, and they’ve answered that challenge to the tune of a combined 43.1 points, 12 rebounds, and 11.7 assists per game. New players off the bench like Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Terrence Davis, and Chris Boucher have also picked up the slack.
Are they for real?
Yes. Siakam’s brilliance and the Raptors’ unselfish play style and stifling defense have this team set up for long-term success. They may not make the Finals, but they’ll threaten the East’s best.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
Russell Westbrook’s departure to Houston drastically lowered the expectations for this year’s Thunder team. However, this summer they added veterans in Chris Paul and Danilo Gallinari and a dynamic young point guard in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. So far, the team has meshed surprisingly well and has put up a record of 15-14. While this record in the West may not have been good enough to reach the playoffs in years past, it’s good enough to land the Thunder in seventh place this season.
Are they for real?
Probably not. The Thunder could definitely make the postseason as a seven or eight-seed, but it’s difficult to imagine them winning a playoff series with 34-year-old Chris Paul as their best player.
2. Dallas Mavericks
The tail end of Dirk’s career hit the Mavericks hard, seeing them miss the postseason for the past three years. But it looks like that might change soon. MVP candidate Luka Doncic and former Knicks star Kristaps Porzingis have guided Dallas to a 19-10 record. Role players have also been instrumental in the team’s surge to fifth place. New guys like Tim Hardaway Jr. and Seth Curry have shot well from outside, and returners like Jalen Brunson and Dwight Powell have helped run the fourth highest-scoring offense in the NBA.
Are they for real?
Yes. Doncic and Porzingis are one of the best duos in the league, and they’ve got plenty of help this year. The Mavericks could shock everyone this spring.
1. Miami Heat
Pat Riley and Eric Spoelstra have done it again. They’ve assembled a team that looks mediocre at best on paper and turned it into a playoff squad. Though the addition of Jimmy Butler is one reason why Miami is 21-8 this year, it’s not the only one. They’re third in the East because of the efforts of potential Rookie of the Year Kendrick Nunn and up-and-coming young players like Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, and Derrick Jones Jr. The Heat have a balanced attack that has led to a 12-1 record and high hopes for the rest of the season.
Are they for real?
Yes, but only because they’re in the East. This team has the depth to contend with teams like the Bucks, Sixers, and Celtics, but lacks the star power to stand up to Western conference powerhouses like the Lakers, Clippers, and Rockets.
