As the first round of the NBA playoffs kicks into high gear with two games completed in each series, five out of the eight series have witnessed the higher-seeded teams successfully defending home court and securing 2-0 leads. While the notion of trailing two games to none in a best-of-seven series may not seem insurmountable in theory, the playoffs amplify the pressure, making it challenging to steal a game on the road. For the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans, Orlando Magic, and Philadelphia 76ers, winning at home and safeguarding home court becomes imperative in the upcoming days if they harbor hopes of advancing to the next round.
Losing Game 3 would essentially signal the end of the season for any of these teams, given the historical rarity of comebacks from an 0-3 deficit, with only 13 instances in NBA history. Even overcoming a 1-3 deficit has occurred sparingly, just 33 times, despite a recent uptick with six such comebacks in the last three postseasons. However, there’s a common thread among the teams that have managed these remarkable turnarounds—they boasted superstars.
Teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, and Golden State Warriors, in recent years, rallied from 0-2 deficits, propelled by All-NBA players and MVP-caliber stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard, Luka Doncic, and Steph Curry. These players not only elevate their game but also inspire their teammates to perform at their peak. But individual brilliance is just one piece of the puzzle.
Factors like the overall health of both teams, internal dynamics, and emerging rivalries also play crucial roles in determining the outcome. With these considerations in mind, I’ve assembled the five teams currently trailing 0-2 in their respective series and ranked them based on their likelihood of staging a comeback. Let’s dive in!
New Orleans Pelicans: Unless Zion Williamson makes a miraculous return, the Pelicans face an uphill battle against the dominant Oklahoma City Thunder. The recent blowout loss in Game 2 underscores the challenge ahead, especially if Brandon Ingram continues to struggle against the Thunder’s defense led by Lu Dort. Without Williamson, Ingram must step up, but his performance thus far hasn’t been promising. Coupled with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s stellar form, the Pelicans’ prospects look bleak.
Orlando Magic: The Magic’s lack of playoff experience poses a significant hurdle despite their promising young talent like Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs. Without an established superstar to lead them, it’s hard to bet against more seasoned playoff contenders like Donovan Mitchell and the Utah Jazz.
Los Angeles Lakers: While the Lakers’ recent losing streak against the Denver Nuggets raises concerns, LeBron James’s presence injects hope for a turnaround. Despite Denver’s past dominance, this year’s Lakers team, albeit different, has the potential to mount a comeback, especially with key offseason changes. The absence of Bruce Brown alters the dynamics, making this series more evenly balanced, with LeBron’s leadership being a crucial factor.
Phoenix Suns: Loaded with superstars like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, the Suns possess the firepower and experience necessary for a comeback. With Bradley Beal and other key contributors, they’re well-equipped to handle the pressure. However, Allen’s health remains a concern, as his absence could tilt the series in favor of their opponents.
Philadelphia 76ers: With Joel Embiid back in form and Tyrese Maxey’s impressive performance, the Sixers have the potential to turn the tide. The return of De’Anthony Melton adds depth to their roster, addressing their scoring woes beyond Embiid and Maxey. As long as they avoid further injuries, the Sixers remain a formidable threat, capable of staging a comeback against the New York Knicks.
