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3 teams that will exceed expectations in the 2023 NBA Playoffs

By Holden Walter-Warner

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 16: Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles as Keegan Murray #13 of the Sacramento Kings defends during the second half at Barclays Center on March 16, 2023 in New York City. The Kings won 101-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 16: Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles as Keegan Murray #13 of the Sacramento Kings defends during the second half at Barclays Center on March 16, 2023 in New York City. The Kings won 101-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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The 2023 NBA Playoffs are fast approaching and the postseason picture is beginning to take shape. Some teams have already clinched spots in the festivities, while others are on the verge of doing so.

The teams hanging around the top of their conferences obviously have outsized expectations. It may be title or bust for teams like the Denver Nuggets, Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and Philadelphia 76ers.

But there are other teams with lower expectations, where extending their seasons could be viewed as a victory on its own. Those are the teams destined to sneak up on fans and opponents and surpass the wildest dreams they could have of an extended postseason run.

What three teams will exceed expectations when the 2023 NBA Playoffs roll around in just a few weeks?

Obviously, there’s still some time before the postseason brackets lock in. Some of these teams may flame out unexpectedly in the play-in round. Maybe one or two won’t even make the playoffs at all. That would be one way NOT to exceed expectations.

For the most part, this is about young or unheralded teams who are going to show the league what they’re made of when the spotlight is brightest. The Golden State Warriors are not going to have home court advantage in their first series, but everyone knows what Steve Kerr’s squad is capable of and expectations will be high as long as Steph Curry and Klay Thompson are splashing threes.

Disagree with the picks? Feel free to sound off in the comments!

Here are three teams destined to exceed expectations this spring.

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