The All-Star break is over and the regular season will resume with two games on Thursday night. With fewer than 30 games to play for each team, the time is now to make a final playoff push. Here are teams that are currently outside of the NBA playoffs, but could make a push for a bid down the stretch of the season:
Boston Celtics
Contrary to popular belief, trading Rajon Rondo and Jeff Green has not been the equivalent of throwing in the towel on the season for the Boston Celtics. Since a 13-26 start, Boston has gone 7-5 and went into the All-Star break as winners in four of five. Avery Bradley has played very well at the point guard position while Kelly Olynyk and Jared Sullinger have made big strides for the team in the frontcourt. Boston sits just a game and a half outside the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics will have a chance to get off to a strong post All-Star break start as four of their first five games are against teams with losing records.
Detroit Pistons
Since a 3-19 start, the Detroit Pistons have played very good basketball, going 18-14. Trading Josh Smith, who was a nightmare for head coach Stan Van Gundy’s system has turned out to be a great move to open things up for a number of players, who actually can stretch the floor like Brandon Jennings, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Jodie Meeks. Inside, Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond continue to be one of the better frontcourt duos in the Eastern Conference. The Pistons sit just two games back of the Miami Heat for the final playoff spot in the East.
Indiana Pacers
With superstar guard Paul George potentially eyeing an early March return, the Indiana Pacers may be the favorites to snatch up the final spot in the Eastern Conference. Indiana sits just two games back of Miami, but has played well of late, winning six of their last nine. Roy Hibbert has had a dismal year, forcing David West to carry the offensive load, but the return of George would be a game-changer. George averaged nearly 22 points per game last season and has led the Pacers to the conference finals in each of the last two seasons.
PORTLAND, OR – OCTOBER 29: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrates after scoring in the first quarter of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on October 29, 2014 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly ackowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans sits a game and a half back of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference and limped into the All-Star break, losing its final three games, but much of that was due to the absence of center and MVP candidate Anthony Davis. Davis is among the top 5 in the NBA in scoring and blocked shots, but has had help this season with Jrue Holiday, Tyreke Evans and Ryan Anderson all playing very well. The Pelicans should have a chance to start the final stretch of the season on the right foot as five of their next six games are against teams with current losing records.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder sit a half game out of the 8-seed in the Western Conference, but much of that is due to injury. With Kevin Durant and All-Star Game MVP Russell Westbrook both healthy, it would be more surprising if the Thunder did not make the postseason. If Durant had enough games to qualify, the duo of he and Westbrook would be the highest scoring tandem in the NBA. Serge Ibaka has been reliable and Dion Waiters is a guy who can be a third scoring option despite a low field goal percentage were the team to deal Reggie Jackson. Oklahoma City will also play 17 of its final 29 games at home.