NBA Playoff Picture: These Teams Are Peaking the Right Time

The end of the NBA regular season is just days away, and the NBA playoff picture is starting to look clearer. With so many games in the regular reason, the strongest and weakest NBA teams always fluctuates as the season progresses. But, certain NBA teams are peaking right now, which is the best time, while others are falling off right when they need that playoff steam.

Philadelphia 76ers

This is a tricky one. The Philadelphia 76ers went on a losing run after Joel Embiid was benched with a knee injury in late January. But, Embiid returned Tuesday (April 2), and he managed 24 points, seven assists, six rebounds and three steals in the 76ers' 109-105 win over Oklahoma City. So, he coming back into play just at the right time. With Embiid back in the fold, this team could get dangerous. That said, based on their current record, they'll most likely get a play-in game in the offseason.

Boston Celtics

Obviously, the Boston Celtics are the team to beat and a huge part of the NBA playoff picture. They have the best record in the NBA and the No. 1 offense. Their defense is also ranked inside the top five in the NBA. They've lost a few surprising games lately, but that doesn't change the fact that the Celtics are favorites to go all the way. If they win the championship, it will mark their 18th title and first since 2008.

Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks have been on a winning run since February. They're an example of a team that's peaking at the right time. They also have one of the strongest defenses in the league.

Minnesota, Oklahoma City and Denver

These teams are all vying for a top spot in the West, which is not an easy task, since this conference is so competitive. For all three of these teams, each remaining regular season game counts a lot. One big game of interest is Denver vs. Minnesota on April 10. The Thunder don't have any remaining games against Minnesota or Oklahoma City.

Other Teams

The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors are both teams of interest in the NBA playoff picture, although they have both struggled at times this season. The two teams played each other on Tuesday (April 2) in what will be a crucial game. The Miami Heat are also contenders, as they have one of the stronger defenses in the NBA. However, their offense is struggling, so that could pose big problems in the playoffs. As a Detroit Pistons fan, I always hold out hope for my guys to make the playoffs, but I'll have to wait until next year. Which teams do you think will rule the NBA playoff picture this season? Reach out to me and let me know.

Arguably, the 1990's may have been the greatest cultural decade in America. Legendary rock music stormed onto the scene, hip-hop was in its "golden era," Blockbuster video was the place to be, and the NBA featured some of the greatest basketball talent to ever play the game. During the '90s, NBA teams also sported some classic uniforms.

Many of these looks are making a comeback. In fact, my kids' in-town youth programs even opted to forgo the traditional jersey with the town name on it this year. Instead, each team was assigned the name of a NBA squad. Better yet, their uniforms are all a nod to the classic looks from the '90s. We're talking the likes of Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Hornets, and Orlando Magic originals.

In order to compile this ranking of which five teams in the NBA rocked the best and most classic uniforms, some conditions needed to be set.

Yes, the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers were prominent franchises during this decade (All 6 of Michael Jordan's championships happened in the '90s). However, teams that have not changed their uniform design presently are excluded. So, teams like the Bulls, Lakers, Celtics, Knicks, Spurs and Trail Blazers are out.

Here is what I was looking for. The teams from the 1990's had the perfect combination of classic uniforms, that were worn by beloved players. Furthermore, these looks still represent tradition and memorable years where the teams saw some success. For example, if you were to ask a NBA fan what do you envision when I say the name Karl Malone, the answer would be "The Mailman" taking the rock to the hoop in his physical one-hand-on-the-head pose, wearing the purple and yellow Jazz insignia.

It's important to note, each player was able to seek their own sneaker endorsement at this time (much like today). However, pro basketball players had to follow some guidelines with what they could wear. Often it was a white or black sneaker only.

The irony here is that although the creative color options were limited, the sneaker game from the '90s was also legendary. Air Jordan Jumpman's from throughout this decade remain some of the most sought-after (and expensive) shoes.

In addition, there was a uniform format of the '90s. Teams strictly wore white at home, and color away.

Not that we have fully set the stage as to what the best decade in the NBA looked like, let's rank the five most legendary 90's uniforms.

*Honorable mention for teams not included in this list include the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets.

This Jazz logo is back these days. However, the purple away threads with yellow Utah Jazz across the chest remains a very 1990's look. The basketball embedded in the "J" brings the logo to new level. The home look was exactly the same , it just featured a white uniform. Jazz Legends that wore this include Karl Malone and John Stockton.

This was the original Magic look. The team's first season was in 1989, and they wore the white pinstripe home, and black pinstripe aways until 1998. The team made it to their first Finals appearance, sporting this look in 1995. Magic legends who wore this include Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway.

The Suns sported a similar design model to the Jazz with a prominent graphic wrapped around the chest. The Suns made the list for two reasons. First, this look was such an upgrade from the previous uniform design, which really bland. Second, it was synonymous with that infamous team that took the Chicago Bulls to six games in the 1993 Finals. Suns legends that wore this include Charles Barkley and Dan Majerle.

Oh wow. The green with the white Sonics ribbon and yellow numbers is as classic '90s basketball as you can get. The green and yellow may also be the best color combination in NBA history. It just fit Seattle and even rock stars like Pearl Jam's Jeff Ament wore these jerseys loud and proud. The Sonics should have never gone away from them in mid-'90s and Seattle should have never let the Sonics go. Supersonics legends who wore this include Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton.

The teal and purple were just so out of the ordinary. When the Hornets came into the league in 1988 they immediately took the court marching to their own beat. They embraced the clip-art bumble bee. In contrast, both their home and away jersey only said "Charlotte" across the chest as opposed to "Hornets." A more modern, upgraded look is what the team wears now. It slightly pays respect to their beyond entertaining teams of the '90s.  Hornets legends that wore this include Larry "Grandmama" Johnson and Alonzo Mourning.