{"id":590162,"date":"2026-04-08T11:58:08","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T11:58:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/590162\/"},"modified":"2026-04-08T11:58:08","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T11:58:08","slug":"did-your-team-meet-or-miss-its-season-expectations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/590162\/","title":{"rendered":"Did your team meet or miss its season expectations?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"c-paragraph\">The end of the 2025-26 NBA regular season is finally here, with the campaign officially coming to a close this Sunday with all 30 teams playing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Every new season comes with high expectations, with some teams meeting or exceeding those goals and others falling far from the original game plan set in October.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/team-page\/oklahoma-city-thunder\/25\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/team-page\/oklahoma-city-thunder\/25\" target=\"_blank\">Oklahoma City Thunder<\/a> held on as the favorites this season, dominating the Western Conference once again, and they\u2019re set to make a deep run in the playoffs with their attention turned toward a repeat championship. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/team-page\/dallas-mavericks\/6\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/team-page\/dallas-mavericks\/6\" target=\"_blank\">Dallas Mavericks<\/a>, after winning the lottery last year and drafting No. 1 pick <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/cooper-flagg-1043241\/1519128\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/cooper-flagg-1043241\/1519128\" target=\"_blank\">Cooper Flagg<\/a>, look toward next season after a dismal first season with their rookie star.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">In the East, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/team-page\/detroit-pistons\/8\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/team-page\/detroit-pistons\/8\" target=\"_blank\">Detroit Pistons<\/a> have exceeded all expectations, only two seasons after sitting at the bottom of the standings with the league\u2019s worst record. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/team-page\/boston-celtics\/2\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/team-page\/boston-celtics\/2\" target=\"_blank\">Boston Celtics<\/a>, almost a year after losing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/jayson-tatum\/937647\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/jayson-tatum\/937647\" target=\"_blank\">Jayson Tatum<\/a> to an Achilles injury, are firmly back in the postseason picture.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Ahead of the final days of the regular season, our NBA insiders break down whether each team met or missed preseason expectations in our last edition of this season\u2019s power rankings.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Note: Team rankings are based on where members of our panel (ESPN\u2019s Anthony Slater, Dave McMenamin, Jamal Collier, Michael C. Wright, Ohm Youngmisuk, Tim Bontemps, Tim MacMahon, Vincent Goodwill and Zach Kram) think teams belong.<\/p>\n<p>1. Oklahoma City Thunder<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/jalen-williams-872532\/1182404\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/jalen-williams-872532\/1182404\" target=\"_blank\">Jalen Williams<\/a> has missed 46 games this season. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/isaiah-hartenstein\/1057004\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/isaiah-hartenstein\/1057004\" target=\"_blank\">Isaiah Hartenstein<\/a> has missed 33. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/alex-caruso\/697644\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/alex-caruso\/697644\" target=\"_blank\">Alex Caruso<\/a> has missed 24. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/shai-gilgeous-alexander\/1067856\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/shai-gilgeous-alexander\/1067856\" target=\"_blank\">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander<\/a> has missed 12. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/chet-holmgren-872522\/1343009\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/chet-holmgren-872522\/1343009\" target=\"_blank\">Chet Holmgren<\/a> has missed 11. That\u2019s a whole lot of injury attrition for a team that will again steamroll to a win total in the mid-60s. It hasn\u2019t been quite as historic as that 24-1 start indicated when insiders were predicting a run at the 73-win record. But this machine continues to flex its muscles in the biggest moments and enters the playoffs as the favorite to repeat. The Thunder are 130-30 the past two seasons. &#8212; Anthony Slater<\/p>\n<p>2. San Antonio Spurs<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Rookie <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/dylan-harper-1043242\/1519362\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/dylan-harper-1043242\/1519362\" target=\"_blank\">Dylan Harper<\/a> set the tone at his introductory news conference in June, declaring the franchise\u2019s postseason drought is \u201cgoing to change pretty quick.\u201d The Spurs bettered their win total from the previous season by more than 25 games, marking the third 20-win improvement in franchise history. A healthy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/victor-wembanyama\/1373356\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/victor-wembanyama\/1373356\" target=\"_blank\">Victor Wembanyama<\/a>, meanwhile, produced several MVP-level performances anchoring a squad that increased chemistry with each outing. Beyond Wembanyama, the backcourt trio of De\u2019Aaron Fox, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/stephon-castle-1017140\/1461118\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/stephon-castle-1017140\/1461118\" target=\"_blank\">Stephon Castle<\/a> and Harper is San Antonio\u2019s most potent group of talent. Inexperience remains an outside concern as the playoffs approach, but coach Mitch Johnson kept it light and joked, \u201cIgnorance is bliss.\u201d The question now is whether the Spurs are legitimate contenders. &#8212; Michael C. Wright<\/p>\n<p>3. Detroit Pistons<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">It\u2019s easy to forget the projections that the Pistons would struggle after losing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/malik-beasley\/879503\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/malik-beasley\/879503\" target=\"_blank\">Malik Beasley<\/a> because of a gambling investigation. But <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/cade-cunningham-555903\/1232182\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/cade-cunningham-555903\/1232182\" target=\"_blank\">Cade Cunningham<\/a> elevated into an MVP candidate, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/jalen-duren-872533\/1344765\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/jalen-duren-872533\/1344765\" target=\"_blank\">Jalen Duren<\/a> took another huge leap, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/ausar-thompson\/1429338\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/ausar-thompson\/1429338\" target=\"_blank\">Ausar Thompson<\/a> turned himself into a true Defensive Player of the Year candidate. Could Trajan Langdon and J.B. Bickerstaff have predicted this? Maybe, but it would\u2019ve been on the \u201cbest case scenarios\u201d list. Playoff expectations have also been raised this season. Will one playoff series win be enough? Or have the formerly miserable Pistons gotten to the point where a trip to the conference finals or better will suffice, assuming Cunningham is fully recovered from his punctured lung?\u00a0&#8212; Vincent Goodwill<\/p>\n<p>4. Boston Celtics<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">To say things have gone better than Boston could\u2019ve hoped for is an understatement. Yes, Joe Mazzulla was always expecting this team to be competitive, and the words \u201cgap year\u201d were stricken from the record here. Not only have the Celtics been competitive, but <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/jayson-tatum\/937647\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/jayson-tatum\/937647\" target=\"_blank\">Jayson Tatum<\/a> is back and playing well, almost a year after his Achilles injury last May, and locking up the second seed in the East is within reach. &#8212; Tim Bontemps<\/p>\n<p>5. Denver Nuggets<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Injuries, especially recurring hamstring strains for forwards <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/aaron-gordon\/748788\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/aaron-gordon\/748788\" target=\"_blank\">Aaron Gordon<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/peyton-watson-872560\/1326502\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/peyton-watson-872560\/1326502\" target=\"_blank\">Peyton Watson<\/a>, have interrupted the Nuggets\u2019 season and been major factors in Denver\u2019s disappointing defense. The Nuggets hit the 50-win milestone and loom as a legitimate contender to win the West primarily because they have the league\u2019s best offense, powered by proven champions <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/nikola-jokic\/830650\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/nikola-jokic\/830650\" target=\"_blank\">Nikola Jokic<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/jamal-murray-177241\/891352\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/jamal-murray-177241\/891352\" target=\"_blank\">Jamal Murray<\/a>, who are having the best statistical seasons of their careers. David Adelman has had an outstanding rookie season as a head coach after winning seven playoff games in the interim role last season. &#8212; Tim MacMahon<\/p>\n<p>6. New York Knicks<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">No team, not even the defending champion Thunder, had such defined expectations coming into the year as the Knicks. Finals or bust. Mike Brown was brought in to stretch the rotation, develop the bench and lessen the dependency on the starters. Check, check and check. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/karl-anthony-towns\/837030\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/karl-anthony-towns\/837030\" target=\"_blank\">Karl-Anthony Towns<\/a> is under fire, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/jalen-brunson\/887914\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/jalen-brunson\/887914\" target=\"_blank\">Jalen Brunson<\/a> is still their go-to guy, and yet somehow, they\u2019ve been an up-and-down bunch that can dazzle one night and puzzle the next. They boast a top-three offense and are seventh in defense, yet there are still questions. June is on the horizon, but May beckons as all will be laid bare in the postseason.\u00a0&#8212; Goodwill<\/p>\n<p>7. Cleveland Cavaliers<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Despite an uneven regular season that has the Cavs in position to finish as the No. 4 seed in the East, whether 2025-26 will be seen as a success will depend on the next few months. Cleveland took what is almost certainly the biggest gamble of the NBA season and traded away 26-year-old guard <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/darius-garland-358181\/1134262\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/darius-garland-358181\/1134262\" target=\"_blank\">Darius Garland<\/a> for 36-year-old <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/james-harden\/395388\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/james-harden\/395388\" target=\"_blank\">James Harden<\/a> &#8212; a win-now move that shortens its window for contention but the kind of move that could erase an up-and-down campaign with a deep playoff run. &#8212; Jamal Collier<\/p>\n<p>8. Houston Rockets<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/kevin-durant\/329525\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/kevin-durant\/329525\" target=\"_blank\">Kevin Durant<\/a>\u2019s arrival provided optimism for an organization that believed it was an offensive engine away from making a serious postseason run after last season\u2019s first-round exit. But veteran <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/fred-vanvleet\/707832\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/fred-vanvleet\/707832\" target=\"_blank\">Fred VanVleet<\/a> suffered a torn ACL at an unofficial workout in the Bahamas ahead of training camp that left the Rockets without a true point guard. Making matters worse, center <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/steven-adams\/679478\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/steven-adams\/679478\" target=\"_blank\">Steven Adams<\/a> suffered a season-ending ankle injury, and Houston spent the entire season utilizing a committee approach to facilitating the offense. It looked clunky at times, but it improved near the end. The injury woes provided more repetitions for younger players such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/reed-sheppard-1017139\/1465031\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/reed-sheppard-1017139\/1465031\" target=\"_blank\">Reed Sheppard<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/amen-thompson\/1429337\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/amen-thompson\/1429337\" target=\"_blank\">Amen Thompson<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/tari-eason-872537\/1235198\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/tari-eason-872537\/1235198\" target=\"_blank\">Tari Eason<\/a>, hastening development, which could ultimately help in the playoffs. &#8212; Wright<\/p>\n<p>9. Atlanta Hawks<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">When <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/trae-young-313815\/1060978\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/trae-young-313815\/1060978\" target=\"_blank\">Trae Young<\/a> got hurt in the fifth game of the season, the Hawks turned into <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/jalen-johnson-555922\/1230356\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/jalen-johnson-555922\/1230356\" target=\"_blank\">Jalen Johnson<\/a>\u2019s team. Johnson emerged as a star, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/nickeil-alexander-walker\/1067668\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/nickeil-alexander-walker\/1067668\" target=\"_blank\">Nickeil Alexander-Walker<\/a> exceeded all expectations, and the Hawks pivoted, trading Young and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/kristaps-porzingis\/877869\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/kristaps-porzingis\/877869\" target=\"_blank\">Kristaps Porzingis<\/a> while adding <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/cj-mccollum\/522878\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/cj-mccollum\/522878\" target=\"_blank\">CJ McCollum<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/jonathan-kuminga\/1271708\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/jonathan-kuminga\/1271708\" target=\"_blank\">Jonathan Kuminga<\/a> to make a team better suited to coach Quin Snyder\u2019s system. They\u2019ve gone 18-3 since Feb. 22. But even though the Hawks could finish as high as fifth, which would be quite the achievement given how much they\u2019ve changed since October, there are no expectations for now. Whatever they do the rest of this season is gravy as they seek to get Johnson and this young group playoff experience before hoping that the unprotected first-rounder they own from New Orleans ends up as a very high pick and a potentially key player to add to the core for 2026-27. &#8212; Ohm Youngmisuk<\/p>\n<p>10. Los Angeles Lakers<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">After a fantastic March during which L.A. went 15-2 to shoot up to No. 3 in the West while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/luka-doncic\/1121277\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/luka-doncic\/1121277\" target=\"_blank\">Luka Doncic<\/a>\u2019s MVP campaign picked up steam, the Lakers experienced a day that will live in infamy last Thursday. During a 43-point drubbing by the Thunder, Doncic suffered a Grade 2 left hamstring strain and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/austin-reaves-556297\/953291\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/austin-reaves-556297\/953291\" target=\"_blank\">Austin Reaves<\/a> suffered a left oblique strain &#8212; injuries that will knock both players out of the lineup for weeks and put the team\u2019s hopes of a postseason run in serious jeopardy. The untimely injuries have overshadowed a resilient season for the Lakers, where second-year coach <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/jj-redick\/172643\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/jj-redick\/172643\" target=\"_blank\">JJ Redick<\/a> adjusted with the group and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/lebron-james\/214152\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/lebron-james\/214152\" target=\"_blank\">LeBron James<\/a> thrived in a third-option role. &#8212; Dave McMenamin<\/p>\n<p>11. Minnesota Timberwolves2025-26 record: 47-32Previous ranking: 9Next games: @ ORL (April 8), @ HOU (April 10), vs. NO (April 12)<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Coming off back-to-back seasons that ended in trips to the Western Conference finals, it has been a strange campaign for Minnesota. The Timberwolves will once again be a top-six seed at the end of the regular season, but with injuries to superstars <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/anthony-edwards\/1175367\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/anthony-edwards\/1175367\" target=\"_blank\">Anthony Edwards<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/jaden-mcdaniels\/1177013\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/jaden-mcdaniels\/1177013\" target=\"_blank\">Jaden McDaniels<\/a>, it\u2019s difficult to see a repeat performance from last postseason. The Wolves will have to go through Denver and San Antonio first to get back to the conference finals. &#8212; Bontemps<\/p>\n<p>12. Charlotte Hornets2025-26 record: 43-37Previous ranking: 15Next games: vs. DET (April 10), @ NYK (April 12)<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">After a 4-14 start, with injuries to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/lamelo-ball\/1257420\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/lamelo-ball\/1257420\" target=\"_blank\">LaMelo Ball<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/brandon-miller-988927\/1401381\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/brandon-miller-988927\/1401381\" target=\"_blank\">Brandon Miller<\/a>, it looked like another forgettable Hornets season. But Charlotte has pulled off an epic turnaround since. The Hornets are 32-14 since Jan. 2. Ball is enjoying his best season as a pro, and No. 4 pick <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/kon-knueppel-1043244\/1519132\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/kon-knueppel-1043244\/1519132\" target=\"_blank\">Kon Knueppel<\/a> has been a revelation while on track to be the first rookie to lead the league in 3-pointers made. Miller is healthy, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/miles-bridges\/957479\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/miles-bridges\/957479\" target=\"_blank\">Miles Bridges<\/a> has been a steadying vet, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/moussa-diabate-872574\/1324359\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/moussa-diabate-872574\/1324359\" target=\"_blank\">Moussa Diabate<\/a> is relentless on the glass, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/coby-white-358183\/1138387\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/coby-white-358183\/1138387\" target=\"_blank\">Coby White<\/a> has been the perfect punch off the bench. The best-case scenario is the Hornets avoid the play-in, squeeze into the sixth or fifth seed and get their young core some much-needed playoff experience. &#8212; Youngmisuk<\/p>\n<p>13. Toronto Raptors2025-26 record: 44-35Previous ranking: 12Next games: vs. MIA (April 9), @ NYK (April 10), vs. BKN (April 12)<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Toronto has been in the mix for a playoff spot all season, and now the Raptors just need to complete the job by beating out Philadelphia, Charlotte, Orlando and Miami for a top-six spot in the East. At a minimum, the Raptors have outperformed expectations by securing a winning record this season &#8212; but they\u2019d look a lot better as automatic playoff entrants rather than play-in fodder. &#8212; Zach Kram<\/p>\n<p>14. Philadelphia 76ers2025-26 record: 43-36Previous ranking: 16Next games: @ HOU (April 9), @ IND (April 10), vs. MIL (April 12)<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">What a difference a year makes. Twelve months ago, Philadelphia was wrapping up an abysmal season that began with championship expectations. As a result, the 76ers entered this season with expectations in the basement &#8212; but they have responded with what likely is going to be a top-six seed in the East. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/joel-embiid\/794508\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/joel-embiid\/794508\" target=\"_blank\">Joel Embiid<\/a> is finally healthy for the postseason and averaging 26.9 points after having played only 19 games last season. Plus, lead guard <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/tyrese-maxey\/1186160\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/tyrese-maxey\/1186160\" target=\"_blank\">Tyrese Maxey<\/a>, playing\u00a0alongside breakout rookie <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/vj-edgecombe-1043243\/1519361\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/vj-edgecombe-1043243\/1519361\" target=\"_blank\">VJ Edgecombe<\/a>,\u00a0is averaging a career-high 28.4 points.\u00a0&#8212; Bontemps<\/p>\n<p>15. Phoenix Suns2025-26 record:\u00a043-36Previous ranking: 13Next games: vs. DAL (April 8), @ LAL (April 10), @ OKC (April 12)<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">For the Suns to trade away <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/kevin-durant\/329525\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/kevin-durant\/329525\" target=\"_blank\">Kevin Durant<\/a> in a deal that brought\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/jalen-green-555904\/1271706\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/jalen-green-555904\/1271706\" target=\"_blank\">Jalen Green<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/dillon-brooks\/854601\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/dillon-brooks\/854601\" target=\"_blank\">Dillon Brooks<\/a>, have those two players combine to miss more than 70 games because of injuries, and still finish with an above-.500 record and qualify for the postseason is remarkable. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/devin-booker\/845564\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/devin-booker\/845564\" target=\"_blank\">Devin Booker<\/a> was as effective as ever, first-year coach Jordan Ott was outstanding, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/grayson-allen\/842296\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/grayson-allen\/842296\" target=\"_blank\">Grayson Allen<\/a> was one of the best bench scorers in the league, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/collin-gillespie-873855\/1070352\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/collin-gillespie-873855\/1070352\" target=\"_blank\">Collin Gillespie<\/a>\u00a0earned Most Improved Player consideration. &#8212; McMenamin<\/p>\n<p>16. LA Clippers2025-26 record:\u00a041-38Previous ranking: 14Next games: vs. OKC (April 8), @ POR (April 10), vs. GS (April 12)<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">It\u2019s hard to imagine a worse start than what the Clippers had: an NBA investigation into <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/kawhi-leonard\/512591\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/kawhi-leonard\/512591\" target=\"_blank\">Kawhi Leonard<\/a>\u2019s marketing deal with Aspiration for possible salary cap circumvention; a season-ending left hip fracture for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/bradley-beal\/606912\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/bradley-beal\/606912\" target=\"_blank\">Bradley Beal<\/a>; a messy divorce with franchise icon <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/chris-paul\/229598\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/chris-paul\/229598\" target=\"_blank\">Chris Paul<\/a>; and a 6-21 record out of the gate. Rather than succumb to those circumstances, the Clippers have qualified for the play-in tournament thanks to the steady coaching of Tyronn Lue, who has integrated young talent in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/bennedict-mathurin-872526\/1239596\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/bennedict-mathurin-872526\/1239596\" target=\"_blank\">Bennedict Mathurin<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/darius-garland-358181\/1134262\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/darius-garland-358181\/1134262\" target=\"_blank\">Darius Garland<\/a> on the fly after the team parted with core players in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/ivica-zubac\/920093\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/ivica-zubac\/920093\" target=\"_blank\">Ivica Zubac<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/james-harden\/395388\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/james-harden\/395388\" target=\"_blank\">James Harden<\/a> at the trade deadline. &#8212; McMenamin<\/p>\n<p>17. Orlando Magic2025-26 record: 43-36Previous ranking: 18Next games: vs. MIN (April 8), @ CHI (April 10), @ BOS (April 12)<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">It has been a terribly frustrating season for the Magic after they went all-in to acquire <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/desmond-bane\/944263\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/desmond-bane\/944263\" target=\"_blank\">Desmond Bane<\/a> last summer in hopes of being a top team in the East. Instead, the Magic once again dealt with injuries to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/franz-wagner-555910\/1178131\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/franz-wagner-555910\/1178131\" target=\"_blank\">Franz Wagner<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/jalen-suggs-555907\/1241585\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/jalen-suggs-555907\/1241585\" target=\"_blank\">Jalen Suggs<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/paolo-banchero-872521\/1323993\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/paolo-banchero-872521\/1323993\" target=\"_blank\">Paolo Banchero<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/anthony-black-988931\/1401385\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/anthony-black-988931\/1401385\" target=\"_blank\">Anthony Black<\/a>, who each missed different chunks of the season. There has been no consistency, but Wagner and Black are back playing and ramping up for what they hope will be a postseason run. Being a play-in team would be a disappointment after the lofty preseason expectations. But at this point, getting into the postseason in any form and hoping to upset a higher seed would wash some of the bad taste from this season before the team figures out what improvements must be made in the offseason. &#8212; Youngmisuk<\/p>\n<p>18. Miami Heat2025-26 record: 41-38Previous ranking: 17Next games: @ TOR (April 9), @ WAS (April 10), vs. ATL (April 12)<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">The Heat started the season 13-6 and had an offense that was humming, but they have not been able to find consistency since.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/tyler-herro-358189\/1134176\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/tyler-herro-358189\/1134176\" target=\"_blank\">Tyler Herro<\/a> has played in only 31 games. It looked like Erik Spoelstra might have steadied the ship when Miami won seven straight in early March, a span that included <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/bam-adebayo\/957486\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/bam-adebayo\/957486\" target=\"_blank\">Bam Adebayo<\/a>\u2019s historic 83-point explosion, but Miami has lost nine of its past 12 games to sink to the bottom of the East play-in standings. Still, Spoelstra usually has a way of getting every ounce of effort from his team at this time of the year, especially in the play-in. &#8212; Youngmisuk<\/p>\n<p>19. Portland Trail Blazers2025-26 record: 40-39Previous ranking: 19Next games: @ SA (April 8), vs. LAC (April 10), vs. SAC (April 12)<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">If the Blazers can get two more wins this week, they\u2019ll finish above .500 for the first time in five seasons. That\u2019s a positive step forward for a franchise that has been transitioning through turbulence. The head coach, Chauncey Billups, was placed on indefinite leave after an FBI arrest in the opening week of the season, and ownership changed hands in the past month. However, the Blazers will have a chance next week to get into the playoffs through the play-in bracket.\u00a0&#8212; Slater<\/p>\n<p>20. Golden State Warriors2025-26 record:\u00a037-42Previous ranking: 20Next games: vs. LAL (April 9) @ SAC (April 10), @ LAC (April 12)<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Everything changed for this version of the Warriors on Jan. 19 &#8212; the night <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/jimmy-butler\/458730\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/jimmy-butler\/458730\" target=\"_blank\">Jimmy Butler<\/a> III tore his right ACL. This front office had built the final chapter of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/stephen-curry\/338365\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/stephen-curry\/338365\" target=\"_blank\">Stephen Curry<\/a> era around the trio of Curry, Butler and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/draymond-green\/468895\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/draymond-green\/468895\" target=\"_blank\">Draymond Green<\/a>. Without Butler, the Warriors just don\u2019t have near enough offensive firepower to keep up. Curry is back from a 27-game absence, looks sharp, and maybe can have a moment or two the next couple of weeks that excite NBA fans. But it\u2019ll be a short postseason run for a Warriors team that\u2019ll try to rearrange the roster around the 38-year-old Curry this summer.\u00a0&#8212; Slater<\/p>\n<p>21. Milwaukee Bucks2025-26 record: 31-48Previous ranking: 23Next games: @ DET (April 8), vs. BKN (April 10), @ PHI (April 12)<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">The Bucks missed the playoffs for the first time in nine years after a dysfunctional and meandering season that included an ongoing conflict with superstar <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/giannis-antetokounmpo\/739957\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/giannis-antetokounmpo\/739957\" target=\"_blank\">Giannis Antetokounmpo<\/a>. It sets up what will be one of the most monumental summers in franchise history, as owner Wes Edens laid out to ESPN last month, as the team is prepared to either sign Antetokounmpo to another extension or trade its franchise player. &#8212; Collier<\/p>\n<p>22. Dallas Mavericks2025-26 record:\u00a025-54Previous ranking: 25Next games: @ PHX (April 9), @ SA (April 10), vs. CHI (April 12)<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/cooper-flagg-1043241\/1519128\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/cooper-flagg-1043241\/1519128\" target=\"_blank\">Cooper Flagg<\/a> eagerly anticipated the opportunity of immediately playing for a playoff contender. However, that\u2019s far from how his rookie season with the Mavs materialized. Dallas\u2019 roster flaws were immediately evident during a 3-8 start, expediting GM Nico Harrison\u2019s exit. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/anthony-davis\/603096\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/anthony-davis\/603096\" target=\"_blank\">Anthony Davis<\/a> had persistent injury problems before being moved at the trade deadline in a salary dump. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/kyrie-irving\/551768\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/kyrie-irving\/551768\" target=\"_blank\">Kyrie Irving<\/a>\u2019s return was put on hold until next season as the Mavs limp toward another lottery pick, allowing Dallas to draft a young talent to pair with Flagg long term. Flagg has been the one bright spot, meeting or even exceeding high expectations. &#8212; MacMahon<\/p>\n<p>23. Chicago Bulls2025-26 record: 30-49Previous ranking: 21Next games: @ WAS (April 9), vs. ORL (April 10), @ DAL (April 12)<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Chicago took a step forward this week, cleaning house in its front office after six seasons of futility and providing a path forward after another lackluster showing. The Bulls missed the playoffs for the fourth straight season and eighth time in the past nine years, didn\u2019t find any new players at the deadline who can credibly be called foundational, and the team\u2019s lottery odds for this upcoming draft will be in the middle of the pack. Still, whomever the Bulls elect to run their basketball operations will have a clean slate and the flexibility to build a team in their own image. &#8212; Collier<\/p>\n<p>24. New Orleans Pelicans2025-26 record: 26-54Previous ranking: 22Next games: @ BOS (April 10), @ MIN (April 12)<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">New Orleans started the season on a six-game losing streak, and the brass decided to fire coach Willie Green once the Pels reached the 2-10 mark, inserting assistant James Borrego as interim coach. Star forward\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/zion-williamson-358177\/1132025\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/zion-williamson-358177\/1132025\" target=\"_blank\">Zion Williamson<\/a>\u00a0played 60 games or more for just the third time in his career and finished second on the team in scoring, behind <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/trey-murphy-iii-555919\/1134570\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/trey-murphy-iii-555919\/1134570\" target=\"_blank\">Trey Murphy III<\/a>. In what turned out to be a lost season, bright spots emerged in young talents <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/jeremiah-fears-1043247\/1547691\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/jeremiah-fears-1043247\/1547691\" target=\"_blank\">Jeremiah Fears<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/derik-queen-1043253\/1520787\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/derik-queen-1043253\/1520787\" target=\"_blank\">Derik Queen<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/micah-peavy-1043342\/1241591\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/micah-peavy-1043342\/1241591\" target=\"_blank\">Micah Peavy<\/a>. The Pels weren\u2019t tanking, but wins were hard to come by for a team now looking to go into the offseason with momentum. &#8212; Wright<\/p>\n<p>25. Memphis Grizzlies2025-26 record: 25-54Previous ranking: 24Next games: @ DEN (April 8), @ UTAH (April 10), @ HOU (April 12)<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Signs of trouble emerged just six games into the season when Memphis suspended <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/ja-morant-358178\/1065906\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/ja-morant-358178\/1065906\" target=\"_blank\">Ja Morant<\/a> for conduct detrimental to the team because of a postgame exchange between the point guard and coach Tuomas Iisalo. Morant played just 20 games due to various injuries before the team shut him down for the season in March, as his future in Memphis remains uncertain. The Grizzlies also shut down <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/brandon-clarke-358197\/892914\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/brandon-clarke-358197\/892914\" target=\"_blank\">Brandon Clarke<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/zach-edey-1017145\/1231414\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/zach-edey-1017145\/1231414\" target=\"_blank\">Zach Edey<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/santi-aldama-555932\/1177024\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/santi-aldama-555932\/1177024\" target=\"_blank\">Santi Aldama<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/scotty-pippen-jr\/1176798\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/scotty-pippen-jr\/1176798\" target=\"_blank\">Scotty Pippen Jr.<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/kentavious-caldwell-pope\/602730\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/kentavious-caldwell-pope\/602730\" target=\"_blank\">Kentavious Caldwell-Pope<\/a>\u00a0due to injuries. The team also traded star forward <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/jaren-jackson-jr\/1078662\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/jaren-jackson-jr\/1078662\" target=\"_blank\">Jaren Jackson Jr.<\/a> in February, signaling yet another rebuild. &#8212; Wright<\/p>\n<p>26. Sacramento Kings2025-26 record:\u00a021-59Previous ranking: 27Next games: vs. GS (April 10), @ POR (April 12)<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/keegan-murray-872524\/1231161\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/keegan-murray-872524\/1231161\" target=\"_blank\">Keegan Murray<\/a> tore a thumb ligament during training camp. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/domantas-sabonis\/850111\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/domantas-sabonis\/850111\" target=\"_blank\">Domantas Sabonis<\/a> partially tore a meniscus early in the season and later needed surgery. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/zach-lavine\/743777\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/zach-lavine\/743777\" target=\"_blank\">Zach LaVine<\/a> had season-ending surgery for a finger problem. This Kings\u2019 season spiraled for a variety of reasons, including the injuries. The team didn\u2019t have its projected starting lineup together for even one second. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/maxime-raynaud-1043344\/1326453\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/maxime-raynaud-1043344\/1326453\" target=\"_blank\">Maxime Raynaud<\/a> emerged as an All-Rookie find out of the second round, but the long-term outlook looks bleak in Sacramento. The Kings need to get lottery luck in May and nail the selection in June.\u00a0&#8212; Slater<\/p>\n<p>27. Utah Jazz2025-26 record: 21-59Previous ranking: 26Next games: vs. MEM (April 10), @ LAL (April 12)<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">This has not been a pleasant season in Salt Lake City, but things are going as planned for the Jazz. They tanked so blatantly that the franchise was fined $500,000, and it\u2019s positioned to land a top-five pick in what is considered a loaded draft. The Jazz made a splash at the trade deadline, taking a swing by landing two-time All-Star power forward <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/jaren-jackson-jr\/1078662\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/jaren-jackson-jr\/1078662\" target=\"_blank\">Jaren Jackson Jr.<\/a> for a package headlined by draft picks, making it clear that the goal is to be as competitive as possible next season. Third-year guard <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/keyonte-george-988941\/1408151\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/keyonte-george-988941\/1408151\" target=\"_blank\">Keyonte George<\/a>\u2019s emergence as an excellent offensive creator was critical, providing the Jazz another foundation player alongside <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/lauri-markkanen\/949131\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/lauri-markkanen\/949131\" target=\"_blank\">Lauri Markkanen<\/a> and Jackson when he returns next season. &#8212; MacMahon<\/p>\n<p>28. Indiana Pacers2025-26 record: 18-61Previous ranking: 29Next games: @ BKN (April 9), vs. PHI (April 10), vs. DET (April 12)<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">This was always going to be a down year for the Pacers following <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/tyrese-haliburton\/1132825\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/tyrese-haliburton\/1132825\" target=\"_blank\">Tyrese Haliburton<\/a>\u2019s Achilles tear and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/myles-turner\/843762\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/myles-turner\/843762\" target=\"_blank\">Myles Turner<\/a>\u2019s departure, but expectations weren\u2019t this bad. Yet a spate of early injuries meant Indiana started the season 1-13, and at that point, it made sense to turn all attention to the 2026 lottery and the 2026-27 campaign. The biggest event of the season for the Pacers will be the May 10 draft lottery, when they\u2019ll learn whether they\u2019ve landed a protected top-four pick or lost a lesser selection to the Clippers as part of the midseason trade for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/ivica-zubac\/920093\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/ivica-zubac\/920093\" target=\"_blank\">Ivica Zubac<\/a>. &#8212; Kram<\/p>\n<p>29. Brooklyn Nets2025-26 record: 20-59Previous ranking: 28Next games: vs. IND (April 9), @ MIL (April 10), @ TOR (April 12)<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Selecting and playing five first-round picks was certainly an ambitious endeavor, but this was a full rebuild season for the Nets. Expectations were low, but the Nets\u2019 brass should feel confident in head coach Jordi Fernandez because, if nothing else, he has coaxed his guys into playing hard. But there\u2019s not much to look forward to except for the draft. The rookies have each had their moments, but sustainability has been hard to find. Is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/egor-demin-1043248\/1523978\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/egor-demin-1043248\/1523978\" target=\"_blank\">Egor Demin<\/a> the point guard of the future? Has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/noah-clowney-988948\/1401380\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/noah-clowney-988948\/1401380\" target=\"_blank\">Noah Clowney<\/a> shown enough to build around? Or is it hard to judge because there\u2019s no true anchor to make the game easier for the young guys?\u00a0&#8212; Goodwill<\/p>\n<p>30. Washington Wizards2025-26 record: 17-62Previous ranking: 30Next games: vs. CHI (April 9), vs. MIA (April 10), @ CLE (April 12)<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">The Wizards\u2019 surprising midseason decision to accelerate their rebuild by trading for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/trae-young-313815\/1060978\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/trae-young-313815\/1060978\" target=\"_blank\">Trae Young<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/anthony-davis\/603096\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tsn.ca\/nba\/player\/anthony-davis\/603096\" target=\"_blank\">Anthony Davis<\/a> didn\u2019t affect their course this season: Young played just five games for Washington and Davis didn\u2019t play any, as Washington is on track for the worst record in the NBA. Completing the tank would give the Wizards pole position on lottery night, when the ping-pong balls will determine just how successful this season was. &#8212; Kram <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The end of the 2025-26 NBA regular season is finally here, with the campaign officially coming to a&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":590163,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[434],"tags":[136343,224799,224800,49,48,459,82],"class_list":{"0":"post-590162","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nba","8":"tag-2025-26-nba-regular-season","9":"tag-2026-nba-playoffs","10":"tag-2026-nba-postseason","11":"tag-ca","12":"tag-canada","13":"tag-nba","14":"tag-sports"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/590162","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=590162"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/590162\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/590163"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=590162"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=590162"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=590162"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}