NBA Tier Rankings: The real contenders emerge midway through 2018-19

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NBA Brooklyn Nets Joe Harris D’Angelo Russell (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

Playoff teams

Miami Heat 22-24

Charlotte Hornets 23-24

L.A. Lakers 25-24

L.A. Clippers 26-22

Brooklyn Nets 26-23

Utah Jazz 27-22

Houston Rockets 27-20

San Antonio Spurs 27-22

Portland Trail Blazers 30-20

Indiana Pacers 32-15

The playoff team tier features teams that should make the playoffs but will likely be knocked out in the first round. Teams such as the Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz and San Antonio Spurs could all possibly win their opening series before getting knocked out in the next round. The Lakers will be a tough team to figure out as they are currently the 9th team in the West but once LeBron James returns they should find themselves in the playoff picture.

As for how long they last in the playoffs it will ultimately come down to who they get in the first round. The Hornets, Heat and Nets could be tough outs in the East but don’t figure to advance after their opening series. The Pacers would be in the Conference Finals category if not for a season ending injury to Victor Oladipo.

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