All-Star Break Tiers: 3, Solid

These squads are playing inspired basketball, hoping to carry their momentum into a nice playoff run. Is it sustainable?

Five solid teams represent our third tier: The Cavaliers, Celtics, Mavericks, Nuggets, and Raptors.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Record, Pre All-Star break: 35-23, 4th in Eastern Conference

The Cavs have been the feel-good story of the season, led by one half of Sexland, Darius Garland, as well as ROTY frontrunner Evan Mobley. The Ricky Rubio injury was costly, not to mention Collin Sexton being ruled out for the season a while back, but Cleveland hasn't slowed down. They're making the postseason and will rely on their flare and team basketball to attempt to take down the experienced rosters atop the conference. This season can already be written up as a success, but Cleveland is far from done impressing. It seems plausible that they can be this year's Atlanta Hawks, coming out of nowhere to make the Eastern Conference Finals.

Boston Celtics

Record, Pre All-Star break: 34-26, 6th in Eastern Conference

The Celtics were struggling mightily until recently. The new year has been very kind to the Celtics, and their defensive prowess is good for best in the league over the last month. They have been the hottest team in basketball which has resulted in a grand ascendancy up the Eastern Conference standings. They dealt Dennis Schröder and got Derrick White in return, who can facilitate in the absence of Marcus Smart, depending on how long his injury holds him out. The Celtics have a great chance to redeem a short-lived postseason from last season, and nobody wants to face them right now. Their matchups against the rest of the East's best should be a good test for them.

Dallas Mavericks

Record, Pre All-Star break: 35-24, 5th in Western Conference

Dallas is in the same situation as they were a season ago in reference to their playoff positioning, and will most likely be in the 3-6 range, far from the Play-In. Luka has put up great numbers in the postseason, but to no avail, losing to the Clippers in consecutive years. Luckily for the Mavs, the Clippers won't be high enough in the standings to play them in the first round. Dallas has the best chance out of the last three years to advance.

Denver Nuggets

Record, Pre All-Star break: 33-25, 6th in Western Conference

Denver shouldn't worry too much about falling into the Play-In, but the strain on Jokic could prove to be a problem if Jamal Murray doesn't return for the postseason. His supporting cast is playing very well as of late, though. Their test will be facing the juggernauts and powerhouses of the West as potential playoff previews. Are they built to beat Memphis, Utah, Golden State, or Phoenix in the first round? A Dallas-Denver matchup could be intriguing, as well.

Toronto Raptors

Record, Pre All-Star break: 32-25, 7th in Eastern Conference

The Raptors are the surprise of this tier, ranked higher than Brooklyn at the current moment. Their positioning above the Nets will be short-lived, but recognizing their inspired play as of late is warranted. Scottie Barnes has proved his worth as one of the top three rookies so far, and Pascal Siakam is slowly rounding into form. If they do make the postseason, they'd likely be taken care of easily by Miami, Milwaukee, or Chicago in the first round, and if they're in the Play-In, they'd be tested by teams with similar ceiling as them.

Full Tiers: