Top 3 Dark Horse Teams That Could Make a Deep Playoff Run

The NBA playoffs are almost here, and each remaining game is crucial for every team and becomes more important for the standings. Of course, every team wants to qualify for the playoffs because it is the golden ticket to the NBA championship.

The seeding for the playoffs is still up in the air and will be determined by these last few games. Favorites to win have been discussed. However, there are always underdog teams that could potentially upset a team in the playoffs.

These teams aren't getting the attention they deserve, but all can make a deep playoff run. Here are three of them.

Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics have made it to the Conference Finals three times in the last five years. There's no question that this team is trying their best to get over the hump and win an NBA championship, but they've been unsuccessful so far.

This year, it won't be easy for them because the East Conference is much more competitive than in the past. The Celtics will have to go through teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers to make it to the Finals.

But that doesn't mean they can't do it. Led by a lethal duo of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, the Celtics are a force to be reckoned with. The duo has helped fuel the Boston Celtics' success this season.

Brown averages 6.2 rebounds and 23.2 points per game, while Tatum scores 8.3 rebounds and 25.9 points per game. Both players are great passers, and plays for the team come first for them.

This season, the Celtics' goal is to get back to the Conference Finals and ultimately earn a spot in the NBA Finals. With Brown and Tatum leading the charge, they have a good chance of achieving that goal.

Other than the duo, other helpful players include Marcus Smart. He is a great defender and averages nearly six rebounds per game. Also, he does many things that don't usually come up in the statistics sheet that contribute to the Celtics' success, like hustle and energy.

The Boston Celtics have a lot of talent, and they are capable of making a run at the NBA Finals this season. It won't be easy, but anything is possible with the players they have and the determination they've shown in the past. Consider adding this team to your NBA picks this season.

Utah Jazz

Utah Jazz is undoubtedly a smaller market team that doesn't interest many big-time free agents. Although that's the case, Quin Synder (head coach) built a strong team with many great role players and star players.

And because of this, many people believe that the Jazz can make a deep playoff run this year. Regarding the team's offense, it's jam-packed with scorers who are not afraid to shoot from anywhere on the court and not hesitant to play some assists.

One of the key players of the Jazz is Donovan Mitchell, who averages 5.2 assists and 25.9 points per game. He has all the talent NBA players dream of, and Utah fans are indeed excited to see him continue playing at a high level.

Another player essential to the Jazz's playoff run is Rudy Gobert. The Frenchman averages 14 points per game and 12 rebounds, and nearly three blocks. He anchors the defense and makes it difficult for opponents to score in the paint.

Denver Nuggets

Since Michael Malone (head coach) took over in the 2015-2016 NBA season, the Denver Nuggets have had only one season with at most 40 wins and four seasons with at least 45 wins. Indeed, he has done an excellent job turning the Nuggets around, and they are now one of the most exciting teams in the NBA.

But of course, he can only do so much as a coach. The players themselves are the ones who have to go out on the court and play. That's where Nikola Jokic comes in.

Jokic is the Nuggets' center, and he is one of the most talented players in the NBA. He can shoot from long range, pass incredibly well, and rebound effectively. But what makes him truly special is his ability to control the game on both ends of the court. He always seems to make the right play, whether on offense or defense.

Jokic is averaging 25.5 points, 11.0 assists, and 13.8 rebounds per game this season. He is also shooting 50% from the field and 41% from the three-point range. These are incredible numbers, and they show just how good Jokic is.

It's no wonder that Jokic is considered one of the front-runners for this year's MVP award. Other highly contributing players include Monte Morris, Will Barton, and Aaron Gordon.

The Bottom Line

While the Boston Celtics, Utah Jazz, and Denver Nuggets are deemed dark horses this year, they certainly have the potential to make a deep run in the playoffs and could even end up meeting in the Finals. All three teams have a strong starting lineup and a deep bench, which will be critical in the playoffs. Let's see in a few months if any of these teams can make a surprise run to the Finals.