NSL Premium: Outside the Eight

At the time of writing, here is the current state in both the Eastern and Western Conferences of the NSL. I will list the standings and how many games back they are of the eighth and final playoff spot and give a brief explanation of each teams, considering how satisfied the team is with their current position, their projected trajectory and some other observations.

Here are the standings:

Eastern Conference

9. Toronto [0.5 games back from 8^th]

10. Brooklyn [2.5]

11. Milwaukee [5.5]

12. Atlanta [6]

13. Miami [6]

14. Cleveland [8]

15. Boston [10]

Toronto
Are they happy with their current standing? No.
Where will they end up? Playoffs.
What needs to happen? Less injuries, better chemistry.

Toronto have been smashed with injuries this season, arguably as much as any team. The fact that they are already within a game of eighth means all they will need is to get their players back in the next month and have consistent health to not only climb to 8, but higher.



Brooklyn
Are they happy with their current standing? No.
Where will they end up? Lottery/vying for 8th
What needs to happen? Less injuries, establishing chemistry with new players.

Between trading Drummond and Poeltl, and losing Russell to a serious injury, the consistent Nets have been floundering trying to find a team that works and hold down the fort until Russell and Nurkic return. However, I think the damage might be done before they all get back and they miss out in the competitive East.

Milwaukee
Are they happy with their current standing? Yes
Where will they end up? Lottery
What needs to happen? Nothing.

The Bucks have been noticeably ‘friskier’ of late and Zion is starting to look like the one that was promised. SGA is a star and Thad Young, acquired for free, has been a terrific vet presence. Bucks will still collect their lottery ticket at the end of the season, but have let their kids actually try and win.

Atlanta

Are they happy with their current standing? Yes
Where will they end up? Early-lottery.
What needs to happen? Trade off vets.

Much like the Bucks, the blueprint has been laid for the Hawks and it’s just about waiting until the draft, happy to win some games but also happy to lose.

Miami

Are they happy with their current standing? No.
Where will they end up? Lottery
What needs to happen? Injury returns to help playoff push.

I’m still getting used to not seeing pistolpk at the top of the standings. Mostly not his fault due to injuries, but some 2k glitches haven’t panned out. I think they make a spirited run back towards the top. But, it might be too late.

Cleveland

Are they happy with their current standing? Yes.
Where will they end up? Early-lottery.
What needs to happen? Nothing.

Sometimes, this team looks like the worst team in the league. Other occasions, they look spirited. Dylan is happy with either, as the Cavs don’t have enough talent to miss the early-lottery, so he can afford his players to try their best.

Boston

Are they happy with their current standing? Yes
Where will they end up? Early-lottery.
What needs to happen? Nothing.

Boston continue to celebrate the losses and look to cash in on another draft before maybe, possibly, probably, putting it all together.

Western Conference

9. Houston [0.5 games back from 8th]

10. Sacramento [2.5]

11. Oklahoma City [6]

12. Utah [10]

13. Phoenix [11.5]

14. Minnesota [11.5]

15. Los Angeles Lakers [14]

Houston

Are they happy with their current standing? Yes.
Where will they end up? Vying for 8^th.
What needs to happen? Adding talent and/or consistency.

The Rockets sit just outside the playoffs, so not a huge amount has to go right/change for them to make it in. However, the play-in games loom, so having health and consistent form will be critical. Vitticus is unlikely to make a trade splash.

Sacramento

Are they happy with their current standing? Hell naw.
Where will they end up? Vying for 8th
What needs to happen? Consistency, finding a winning formula

Sacramento loves a trade and the roster is a turnstile of players. They tend to not even know what they have before they move on. They have gone all in and have the talent to make the playoffs. But, they need to put it together. Klemm needs the playoffs.

Oklahoma City

Are they happy with their current standing? No.
Where will they end up? Lottery.
What needs to happen? Chemistry.

So far this season, haven’t found form. Thunder were pegged as a riser and have not risen to much of anything thus far. The roster looks good, but haven’t played well. Team looks better but the gap might be too great. However, with the play-in tournament, a spirited second half might see them save face.

Utah

Are they happy with their current standing? Yes.
Where will they end up? Early-lottery.
What needs to happen? Trading of veterans.

The Jazz have shown some grit lately, but they are still bound for an awful record. Jason has already moved Lowry and seems keen to get all the veterans out of Salt Lake.

Phoenix

Are they happy with their current standing? No.
Where will they end up? Lottery.
What needs to happen? Everything.

Arguably the biggest surprise of any team in terms of form, the Suns have been listless all season. New trades have brought in better, more complementary talent but they have to get on the floor and figure out how to play together. Suns have no reason to lose games on purpose, so watch for them to fight to climb above the tankers.

Minnesota

Are they happy with their current standing? Yes.
Where will they end up? Early-lottery.
What needs to happen? Nothing.

Minnesota chose this path and thus far, they look like they have done a great job adding young guys who can play. The Wolves just have to keep running the kids out there and seeing what happens, knowing they’ll have a high draft pick.

Los Angeles Lakers

Are they happy with their current standing? Yes.
Where will they end up? Early-lottery.
What needs to happen? Nothing (so more of the same).