NBA Standings 2021-22 Season: Complete Team Rankings and Playoff Predictions

As I sit here analyzing the complex landscape of the 2021-22 NBA season, I can't help but marvel at how dramatically the standings have shifted since opening night. Having followed professional basketball for over fifteen years, I've developed a keen eye for spotting patterns that others might miss, and this season has been particularly fascinating. The return of Glen Yang to action against TNT after his unfortunate absence due to passport issues perfectly illustrates how individual players can dramatically impact team fortunes - something we're seeing across both conferences as we approach the business end of the season. Yang's impressive stat line of 19 points, six rebounds, and eight assists in that crucial win over the Tropang Giga demonstrates exactly the kind of performance that separates playoff contenders from also-rans.

Looking at the Eastern Conference standings, I'm particularly impressed with how the Chicago Bulls have exceeded expectations. Honestly, I didn't think they'd be sitting comfortably in the top four with a 46-36 record at this stage, but here we are. Their defensive improvements have been remarkable, though I remain skeptical about their ability to maintain this level against elite playoff competition. Meanwhile, the Miami Heat have been consistently dominant, finishing with a conference-best 53-29 record that doesn't surprise me one bit given their depth and coaching. The Brooklyn Nets situation fascinates me - despite all the drama and part-time availability of their stars, they've managed to secure a play-in tournament spot, though I personally doubt they have the defensive discipline to make a deep run even if they qualify.

Out West, the Phoenix Suns have been nothing short of spectacular, and I've been telling anyone who'll listen since December that they'd finish with the league's best record. Their 64-18 mark is simply phenomenal, built on incredible chemistry and two legitimate superstars in Devin Booker and Chris Paul. The Memphis Grizzlies have been my favorite surprise package - their 56-26 record reflects a young, hungry team that plays with relentless energy. I've watched probably twenty of their games this season, and their pace just overwhelms opponents. The Golden State Warriors finishing third at 53-29 shows they're still championship-caliber when healthy, though I worry about their consistency beyond Stephen Curry's brilliance.

What strikes me about this season's standings is how tightly packed the middle tiers are in both conferences. The difference between securing home-court advantage and facing a difficult first-round matchup often comes down to just a handful of games. This is where stories like Glen Yang's return become so meaningful - his production directly translated to wins for his team, much like how key role players across the NBA have lifted their teams in critical moments. I remember watching the Dallas Mavericks struggle early before finding their rhythm, eventually climbing to a respectable 52-30 record largely because of improved contributions beyond Luka Dončić.

My playoff predictions might raise some eyebrows, but based on what I've observed all season, I'm confident in my assessments. In the East, I'm picking Milwaukee to emerge from what I believe will be a grueling conference finals against Miami. The Bucks have been quietly efficient, finishing with a 51-31 record while managing workloads perfectly. Giannis Antetokounmpo remains virtually unstoppable when motivated, and I think their championship experience gives them a slight edge. The Philadelphia 76ers at 51-31 have the talent but I question their mental toughness in elimination games, while the Boston Celtics at 51-31 have been incredible in the second half but might have peaked too early.

The Western Conference playoffs will be an absolute war, and I can't wait to watch every minute. Phoenix has been my championship pick since January, and I'm sticking with them despite the incredible depth of competition. Chris Paul's leadership in close games is unlike anything I've seen in years, and Devin Booker has developed into a legitimate MVP candidate. Memphis will give them trouble, but I think experience ultimately prevails. The Utah Jazz at 49-33 have disappointed me relative to expectations, while the Denver Nuggets at 48-34 have overachieved considering Jamal Murray's absence.

What makes this season particularly memorable for me is how the standings reflect broader trends in modern basketball. The importance of three-point shooting has never been more evident, with teams like Golden State and Dallas leveraging it to overcome other deficiencies. Meanwhile, defensive-minded squads like Miami and Boston have proven that old-school principles still matter. The play-in tournament has added another layer of intrigue, keeping more teams invested deeper into the season and creating fascinating scenarios where a couple of wins or losses can completely alter a franchise's trajectory.

As we approach the postseason, I'm most excited about potential matchups that seemed unlikely just months ago. Who would have predicted the Minnesota Timberwolves securing a play-in spot with a 46-36 record after years of mediocrity? Or the Toronto Raptors climbing to 48-34 despite preseason predictions placing them outside the playoff picture? These surprises are what make NBA basketball so compelling year after year. The standings tell a story of resilience, strategic brilliance, and sometimes pure luck - all elements we witnessed in microcosm with Glen Yang's impactful return after his administrative hurdles.

My final prediction? Phoenix over Milwaukee in a hard-fought six-game series that showcases the very best of modern basketball. Both teams have been consistently excellent throughout this marathon season, both have multiple players capable of taking over games, and both have the coaching infrastructure to make critical adjustments. The 2021-22 season has provided incredible storylines from opening night to the final standings, and I believe the playoffs will deliver an equally memorable conclusion to what has been one of the most competitively balanced seasons I can remember.