Year after year, executives, fans, players, and media gethyped about the offseason acquisitions every franchise makes to pursue a championship. However, that means some NBA teams face a lot of pressure to get the job done right away.
There are some rosters that are on the verge of an overhaul. Either because of a poor fit, tough luck or just because their coach fails to make the most of them, it seems like these playoffs are going to be the last chance for some projects.
And, even though this time homecourt advantage won’t mean a thing throughout the playoffs, the way the teams perform under pressure could end up deciding the fate of their coaches, role players, and stars.
That being said, let’s take a look at the 5 NBA teams under the most pressure in the playoffs. Hopefully, they’ll be able to live up to the expectations and perform at the highest level when it matters most.
5. Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers acquired Al Horford and Josh Richardson in the offseason to make up for the loss of Jimmy Butler. They entered the year as one of the strongest candidates out of the Eastern Conference, yet underperformed once again throughout the regular season.
Philadelphia makes it to the playoffs as the 6th seed in the East and is bound to face their nemesis in the Boston Celtics. It also feels like patience is running out for ‘The Process’ and the team just doesn’t get along.
Ben Simmons’ injury was a major blow for their championship aspirations but there have always been huge doubts about his fit next to Joel Embiid. A first-round exit may translate to a major overhaul in their roster.
4. Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets made a huge move this offseason. They traded away Chris Paul and multiple picks to pair Russell Westbrook with James Harden again, something that many people could end up in a big disappointment.
Harden and Westbrook have meshed together perfectly. Then again, there are serious doubts about Mike D’Antoni’s woes in the playoffs and his full-commitment to small-ball. It may work sometimes but the Rockets lack the personnel to make in-game adjustments when their shot isn’t falling.
The Rockets, Harden, Westbrook, and D’Antoni all have a long history of underperforming in the playoffs and Daryl Morey’s job may be in jeopardy after the China controversy. Anything less than a trip to the Finals may be enough for them to blow the roster up.
3. Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers have one of the toughest narratives this year. They want to honor Kobe Bryant’s passing with an NBA Championship and both LeBron James and Anthony Davis know that part of their legacy may be at stake. They have too much to win and too much to lose.
The Lakers haven’t looked good at all since the restart of the season. Their defense has been solid but their offense has struggled mightily even despite the additions of Dion Waiters and JR Smith. Then again, we know LeBron always takes it up a notch in the playoffs.
Davis is almost a lock to resign with the Lakers this summer. Barring a major tragedy, he’s going to wear the purple and gold for many more years. Still, they’re the top seed in the West and have the responsibility of taking the franchise back to the top of the world.
2. Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers didn’t hesitate to trade away multiple picks and players to get Paul George this summer. They put together arguably the best two-way duo in the league and the Clippers have been almost unbeatable when they’ve been at full strength.
Even so, both George and Kawhi Leonard can be out of the team a couple of years from now due to the nature of their contracts, so they know their title window may shut down pretty soon and there’s no time to waste. They must win now.
The Clippers’ roster has struggled to stay healthy and they enter the playoffs a bit banged up. They have enough depth, stars, and one of the best coaches in the world, so there’s no room for excuses. They have to lead the team to their first-ever Finals appearance or it’ll be considered a failure.
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1. Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks posted the best record in the league for the second straight year, yet there are plenty of people who doubt their ability to thrive in the playoffs. Even if Giannis Antetokounmpo is poised to win back-to-back MVPs and the Defensive Player of the Year award.
The Bucks have a historically good defense and a team full of scorers. Still, we know about Giannis’ struggles in the playoffs when the defense collapses the paint, and Mike Budenholzer has a history of failing to adjust in-game in the playoffs.
Milwaukee must build on their regular-season success and at least make it to the NBA Finals, especially considering that most NBA teams will be after Giannis in the summer. He wants to win at all costs and may end up leaving the Bucks if they underperform again.