Which teams have the advantage these 2019 NBA playoffs?

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As of this writing, the 2019 NBA playoffs have just begun, and it’s promising to be a wild ride on the way to the Finals with sixteen hungry teams duking it out. But while defending champ Golden State is still the hands-down favorite this year, there are several formidable teams on both conferences that should give the Warriors a run for their money. Aspiring sports writer Michael Volitich lists down these top contenders.

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Houston Rockets

Arguably the second-best team in the West, the Rockets already took the Warriors to a Game 7 in last year’s conference finals. And there’s no reason to think they can’t beat Golden State if they meet again, especially with Chris Paul healthy and James Harden again posting MVP-like numbers. Center Clint Capela has also been a revelation in the post.

Boston Celtics

Despite the team’s inconsistency throughout the regular season, the Celtics still boasts of the most talented roster in the Eastern Conference. If Kyrie Irving manages to finally gel with other stars Jayson Tatum and Gordon Hayward, Boston should be on its way to another conference finals appearance.

Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks held the best league record during the regular season and are thus guaranteed homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs. While it doesn’t have the star power of certain other teams, Milwaukee is the most cohesive and most committed to defense in the East. Giannis Antetokounmpo is unstoppable this year, too, and is likely to be crowned MVP.

Brooklyn Nets, San Antonio Spurs

Two wildcard teams that might just upset higher-seeded franchises are the Nets and the Spurs, adds Michael Volitich. Brooklyn barely managed to squeeze into the postseason but has already gotten an away-win over the Sixers, thanks to the stellar game of D’Angelo Russell. The Spurs have also beaten the second-seeded Nuggets in Denver, largely due to its teamplay and the talent of coach Popovich.

Michael Volitich is a Creative Writing student at the University of Florida. He likes to blog about books, sports movies, sports teams, and the lives of the greatest athletes. For more sports-related reads, go to this page.

The Best Gators Currently In The Nba

The Florida Gators are presently well-represented in the NBA. There is a handful of elite basketball players who call the University of Florida their alma mater, such as those discussed below.

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Joakin Noah

Joakim Noah, a pivotal player during the Gators’ two-year championship run in 2006 and 2007 and 2014 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, would have been included in this list. However, his time in the professional league is currently in limbo as injuries, and off-court issues have derailed his once-promising career.

Al Horford

Noah’s partner in the paint during his time in Florida was Al Horford, the third overall pick of the 2007 NBA Draft. His statistical production may not show it, but the Dominican native has been one of the best big men for much of the past decade. He was one of the major reasons Atlanta Hawks were at the top of the Eastern Conference during the first half of 2010. Currently, he is playing for the championship-contending Boston Celtics.

Bradley Beal

Beal played just one year in college, but even during his brief time in Florida, he won the hearts of many Gators fans because of his scoring prowess. He has had no problem translating his offensive skills to the professional level, where he has joined forces with John Wall to form a dreaded backcourt combo for the Washington Wizards.

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Michael Volitich here, a University of Florida creative writing student and a huge fan of the Gators teams. Read more about them by subscribing to my blog.