Heading into the 2023 NBA Playoffs, we rank the five most dangerous lower-seeded teams.
The 2023 NBA Playoffs are just about here and with the brackets nearly all set, the excitement and anticipation are growing for what could end up being remembered as one o the most competitive postseasons in recent history.
And heading into the first round, specifically, there is going to be the opportunity for some chalk upsets, something that the NBA is not used to seeing. Upsets in the NBA Playoffs are rare but this season could end up being a huge exception.
With that in mind, we’ll rank the five most-dangerous lower-seeded teams in both conferences (combined) heading into the NBA Playoffs.
5. Brooklyn Nets
Coming in at No. 5, the Brooklyn Nets are a team that should be on the Philadelphia 76ers’ radar heading into their first-round playoff series. I don’t believe this is a team that should be taken lightly especially considering how good Mikal Bridges has been since the NBA Trade Deadline.
I don’t believe that Brooklyn’s supporting cast is good (or deep) enough to keep pace with a team as talented as the Sixers but if Bridges can play at a high level consistently and one of Joel Embiid or James Harden struggles, perhaps the Nets can make this series interesting.
Without a clear indication of what Sixers team we’re getting once the playoffs start, there’s at least a non-zero chance that the Nets could end up playing spoiler in the first round.