Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets are one of the most interesting contenders in recent years. It’s rare when an 8th seed is viewed as a contender but that’s exactly what the Nets are likely going to be heading into the playoffs.
The absence of Durant over the last six weeks saw the team drop from second in the East standings to 8th. With roughly 20 regular-season games left, it’s unlikely that the Nets will be able to make up all that ground.
Nevertheless, Durant is back, Ben Simmons will hopefully make his season debut soon, and Kyrie Irving will hopefully be cleared to play in home games once again by the time the postseason rolls around. This is one of the most talented teams on paper and their title chances will ultimately come down to whether they’ll be able to click in the playoffs.
The Nets have all the ingredients to win a championship and would make history should they do so as the 8th seed.