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5 NBA Teams Approaching Critical 2017 Playoff Runs

By Gerald Bourguet

Feb 6, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) grabs a rebound in front of Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) in the first quarter at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) grabs a rebound in front of Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) in the first quarter at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 6, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) grabs a rebound in front of Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) in the first quarter at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

As the 2017 NBA Playoffs approach, here are five teams facing critical postseason runs as even more important free agency decisions loom in the offseason.

In a league where more than half its teams make the postseason, everyone has something to play for once the NBA playoffs arrive.

That’s especially true this season, with all 16+ teams fighting for a spot having a reason to push for the postseason rather than join the tanking epidemic that’s swept over the association.

The bonafide title contenders obviously have their sights set on the Larry O’Brien trophy. The Cleveland Cavaliers will be attempting to defend their title. The Golden State Warriors face the most championship pressure after landing Kevin Durant in free agency.

The Houston Rockets will be fighting to validate James Harden‘s status as MVP frontrunner, as well as Mike D’Antoni‘s radical, three-point heavy offense. The Boston Celtics will be making their case for 2017 free agents to really put them over the top, while the Washington Wizards are fighting to prove this John Wall–Bradley Beal tandem can lead to playoff success.

Even the teams at the bottom of their respective conferences — the Denver Nuggets, Portland Trail Blazers, Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat — are fighting to take the next step with young or rebuilding cores.

But what about the other teams approaching critical free agency decisions this summer who will be looking to the 2017 NBA Playoffs for guidance moving forward? With their backs against the wall, here are five teams heading into crucial postseason runs in 2017, and what their success or failure could mean heading into the offseason.