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It’s time for our NBA Playoff power rankings 2022! Just nine teams are still in contention as we inch closer to the NBA Finals. And for the first time in years, it feels like anything can happen and all teams are legit candidates to win it all.
NBA Playoff Power Rankings 2022
This time, it seems like there aren’t true NBA title favorites. Not because teams aren’t good enough but because of how well all teams not named the Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls performed in the postseason. Obviously, injuries can also take a toll on what happens going forward.
Judging by what we’ve seen from all teams thus far, we can already state that these playoffs have been one for the ages. With that in mind, we’ll break down the teams still left in contention, letting you know our NBA Playoff Power Rankings 2022.
9. Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves have proven that they’re going to be a legit threat for years to come. Anthony Edwards is already living up to the hype as a first-overall pick and hasn’t missed a beat in the playoffs. Karl-Anthony Towns has had a couple of bad games but also bounced back in a big way when his team needed him.
The Timberwolves have an explosive offense and a core of players who clearly enjoy feeding off each other. There are no egos, there’s no selfishness whatsoever. Then again, it feels like they’re still a piece or two away from being NBA title favorites.
8. Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks proved that they had a lot of fight in them even without Luka Doncic and Tim Hardaway Jr. Jason Kidd has really turned the corner as a coach and the team seems to have bought into his philosophy of hard, physical defense.
Jalen Brunson wants to get paid in the summer and he’s playing like a man on a mission. Also, Doncic is back in action and once again doing Luka Doncic things, so there’s no surprise there. This isn’t the team you want to face any given night.
7. Grizzlies
The Timberwolves exposed the Memphis Grizzlies a couple of times in their first-round series. Ja Morant struggled with his shot and Towns had a feast with Jaren Jackson Jr. in Game 4. Then again, this is a team that will never, ever give up.
You can never count the Grizzlies out, regardless of how big the deficit is. They’re deep and have enough versatility and switchable defenders to match up against anybody. That’s why they were the second-best team in the Western Conference.
6. Bucks
Khris Middleton‘s injury news sure took a toll on the Milwaukee Bucks’ title chances. Right now, their NBA Championship odds sit at +700, the fourth-longest among the teams still in contention. Not having him for their second-round matchup with the Boston Celtics will be a big blow.
The reigning champions didn’t get off to a good start of the season but picked things up shortly after the All-Star Break. Also, any team having Giannis Antetokounmpo will have a big chance to win every single time he sets foot on the hardwood.
5. 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers sit at the fifth spot in our NBA Playoff power rankings 2022. That’s way lower than what one would expect from a team featuring James Harden and Joel Embiid, but their first-round struggles vs. the Toronto Raptors left a lot to be desired.
While the talent is undeniable, Harden has proven that he can’t be trusted in big games. Also, no one has blown more 3-1 leads in NBA playoff history than Doc Rivers. Those red flags cannot be ignored as the pressure continues to mount on.
4. Heat
The Miami Heat are tough as nails. They’re too talented, too deep, too big, and too strong. The only issue is that their physicality and style of play often takes a toll on their bodies and they’re pretty banged up right now.
Jimmy Butler has proven to be the perfect leader for this team. They want to bounce back from last year’s tough loss in the playoffs. Erik Spoelstra is one of the best coaches in the Association, so this isn’t the team you want to sleep on at this stage.
3. Suns
The Phoenix Suns proved that last season’s success wasn’t a fluke. Monty Williams should win Coach of the Year as the team thrived even through injuries. Deandre Ayton, Devin Booker, and Chris Paul all missed time, yet they continued to be at the helm.
CP3 doesn’t want to feel what it’s like to lose in the NBA Finals again. He’s playing the best basketball of his career as he proved by going 14/14 in a close-out game vs. the Pelicans. They have the depth, talent, coaching, and the best PG of his generation.
2. Warriors
As it stands right now, the Golden State Warriors have the best NBA Championship odds at +320. Stephen Curry is back in business and they didn’t have much trouble getting past the reigning MVP in Nikola Jokic. Once again, the Dynasty seems far from over.
Steve Kerr has found his new ‘Death Lineup’. Jordan Poole‘s breakout is real and the Dubs already know what it takes to go the distance and win it all. All things considered, there’s not a team in the league that could beat them in a seven-game series.
1. Celtics
But even though the Warriors are the better team, no one has played better basketball than the Boston Celtics. They boast the best defense in the Association, they’re big, strong, and have finally reached their potential. Also, they’re coming off an inspiring sweep.
Jayson Tatum is blossoming a superstar right before our eyes. He’s averaging nearly 30 points per game while playing lockdown defense on the other end of the floor. The East will be a bloodbath but the Celtics should come out on top.
