NBA Power Rankings: Can anyone beat the healthy Nets; Bubble Heat back?

12. Portland Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers are about to embark on their most important playoff run in recent history. If the whispers are indeed true, there is a chance that this could be the final run for this core and, specifically, this team’s head coach.

Quite frankly, I’m not sure this team can make it out of the first round and I’m not sure what awaits this team during the offseason. Although, as unfair as it may seem, change in the NBA is sometimes good and necessary.

11. Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks are an interesting team. They’ve taken the step forward this season as a franchise and are potentially a dangerous team heading into the playoffs. On the other hand, this team could also be a year or two away from realizing their potential as a team.

Either way, I’m not sure any team in the East is going to want to willingly play the Hawks in a seven-game series with as much talent and depth as this team has, they could absolutely emerge as a dark horse candidate to make a semi-deep run in the postseason.