5. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers are a team that’s one fringe All-Star away from belonging in the same tier as the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and Philadelphia 76ers. They’re sitting in fourth place behind those teams, keeping firm on the position of sneakily going on a deep playoff run. There’s strong upset potential in these Cavs, and it all starts with a determined Donovan Mitchell.
Mitchell is averaging 27 points, four rebounds, and four assists per game in his first year as a Cavalier. His backcourt partner Darius Garland, who’s thriving as the team’s second option on offense, is averaging 22 points and eight assists. Together, Mitchell and Garland are providing a new-look Cleveland firepower offense that’s party in the back, all business up front with Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. Don’t sleep on the Cavs.
4. Memphis Grizzlies
To liken the Grizzlies’ current season to a rollercoaster ride doesn’t quite capture the ups-and-downs and loops that the team is going through. Ja Morant is back after missing a couple of games because of offcourt events while Dillon Brooks is slowly gaining notoriety because of on-court antics.
Despite that (or because of that?), the Grizzlies are enjoying a six-game winning streak. They’ve secured the second spot in the West behind the Nuggets. In this final stretch of games, it seems like the Grizzlies would be ready to recalibrate and settle down before the playoffs—where noise will no longer be acceptable.
3. New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans find themselves in Play-In Tournament territory once again despite progress and growth they’ve made since last season. Much of that, of course, is because of the lack of Zion Williamson.
If history has informed us, this is about the right time everything clicks for New Orleans, when their backs are against the wall and playing at a disadvantage. The Pelicans fighting as underdogs in crucial games is something you definitely shouldn’t miss on League Pass.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves
Karl-Anthony Towns is back. That’s more than enough reason for the Wolves to leapfrog their way to the top of League Pass rankings. Their recent game against the Warriors was the indicator. Down a point with the game clock winding down, the Wolves came up with a defensive stop and an open KAT 3 for the win.
The Wolves will be holding on to that sixth spot in the West for dear life in these last remaining game days. Their team looks different from what it looked like in October, but as long as KAT, Anthony Edwards, and Rudy Gobert do their thing, Minnesota has a legit shot—at best—at homecourt advantage in the playoffs.
1. Orlando Magic
The magic is working in Orlando and there’s lots to be happy about. They’ve won three straight games, the latest of which is a win versus the Nets where eight Magic players scored in double figures.
Cole Anthony has been playing awesome basketball lately while Paolo Banchero’s Rookie of the Year campaign is pretty much sealed. Playoff-picture-wise, the Magic is only a game behind the 11th play-in spot. That means if things work out for them in these last few games, they can knock off either the Wizard or the Pacers to make it in the tournament.
The best thing about it is that Orlando is doing it in the most entertaining, magical way possible.
