5 make-or-break legacies that depend on the 2023 playoffs

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 08: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns anf Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers look on during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center on February 08, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

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We are quickly approaching the end of the tightest regular season in recent memory.

Despite the presence of all-universe prospect Victor Wembanyama, nearly every team is pushing the pedal to the metal to make the postseason. As a result, squads that fancied themselves title contenders in October such as the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves, might miss the play-in entirely. Meanwhile, other teams that made substantial win-now moves, like the Atlanta Hawks, have been unable to separate themselves from the pack.

Outside of the bottom handful of teams, pretty much every NBA team has good coaching, pieces that fit, and superstar talent. It’s never been harder to win a championship–which is a bummer for the people on this list.

Many expectations are about to go unmet, but the flip side is that opportunity still looms for anyone. Not everyone can win a title, but players and teams have the most to gain (or lose) this postseason.