NBA 2022 Playoff Picture: Which Teams Will Secure the Final Spots?

As we barrel toward the final stretch of the NBA regular season, I can’t help but feel that familiar mix of anticipation and anxiety. The playoff picture is far from settled, and every game feels like a mini-series in itself. I’ve been tracking the league for over a decade, and this year’s race for the final postseason spots has a unique intensity—almost like watching a surfer navigating clean, three- to five-foot swells, holding their own under pressure. That analogy isn’t random; it reminds me of Esquivel’s performance in the men’s surfing competition, where he clinched the bronze behind France’s Edouard Delpero by staying composed amid challenging conditions. In the NBA, teams on the bubble are doing the same—riding waves of momentum, fighting through injuries, and trying to secure their place when it matters most.

Right now, the Western Conference is where most of the drama is unfolding. The Lakers, for instance, are hanging by a thread. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis in and out of the lineup, they’re sitting around 10th place, fighting to even make the Play-In Tournament. I’ve got to be honest—I’m skeptical about their chances unless their stars get healthy fast. They’ve played 74 games so far, with a record hovering near .500, and their defensive rating has slipped to 113.5, which just isn’t going to cut it in the playoffs. Then you’ve got the Pelicans, who’ve surprised me with their resilience. Zion Williamson’s return has injected life into their offense, and they’re sitting in that 8th or 9th spot, depending on the day. I think they’ve got a real shot if they can avoid another injury setback. Out West, it feels like three or four teams are battling for two slots, and every loss stings a little more than usual.

Over in the East, the race is slightly less chaotic but no less compelling. The Hawks and Raptors are the ones I’m watching closely. Atlanta’s offense, led by Trae Young, can be explosive—they’ve averaged 116.8 points per game over the last month—but their defense has been inconsistent. As a fan who loves gritty, two-way basketball, that frustrates me. Toronto, on the other hand, has that underdog vibe I can’t help but root for. They’re grinding out wins with a deep rotation, much like how Esquivel held his own in those swells, not by flashy moves but by steady, relentless effort. I’d put my money on the Raptors sneaking into one of the final spots, maybe as the 7th or 8th seed, because they’ve got the coaching and depth to handle pressure situations.

When I step back and look at the bigger picture, the Play-In Tournament has completely changed the dynamics. Introduced a couple of years ago, it’s added this layer of suspense that keeps fans like me glued to the standings until the very end. Teams that might have coasted are now fighting for every possession, and it’s creating some unforgettable moments. For example, the Clippers—without Kawhi Leonard for most of the season—have clawed their way into contention, and I admire their hustle. They’re not the most talented squad, but they’re maximizing what they have, similar to how underdogs in other sports, like Esquivel in surfing, seize opportunities when favorites falter. From an SEO perspective, keywords like “NBA playoff standings 2022” or “final playoff spots” are buzzing right now, and for good reason—this race is historic in its unpredictability.

In my view, the key to securing those last playoff berths boils down to health and consistency. Look at the Suns from last year; they stayed relatively injury-free and rode that to the Finals. This season, though, it’s a different story with Chris Paul’s hand issue, and it shows how fragile a team’s chances can be. I’m leaning toward the Pelicans and Raptors as my picks to clinch, but I wouldn’t be shocked if the Lakers pull off a miracle. Ultimately, much like in surfing or any high-stakes competition, it’s about who can stay balanced when the waves get rough. As we head into the final games, I’ll be watching every matchup, crunching stats, and maybe even placing a friendly wager or two—because in the NBA, the only certainty is the thrill of the unknown.