Breaking down Nets path to the NBA playoffs

The Brooklyn Nets haven’t reached their final form yet but stand out as legitimate title contenders as the halfway mark of the 2020-21 season approaches. Brooklyn’s finest boasts a 21-12 record, and only the Philadelphia 76ers can top that mark in the Eastern Conference. The Nets’ superstar trio of James Harden, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Durant has helped the Nets form what’s arguably the most dynamic offense in the NBA.

Brooklyn has an abysmal defense to match its elite offense but entered Wednesday riding a seven-game win streak despite Durant missing five games with a hamstring injury. The Nets seem poised to get better as time goes on, and the NBA has released their list of opponents for the back half of the season. Let’s take a look at what teams are on the docket for Brooklyn ahead of the NBA Playoffs.

Brooklyn Nets second-half schedule

The Nets will play teams currently in the playoff picture in 22 of their final 35 games. Only five games separate 15th place from eighth in the Eastern Conference. That figure could change significantly in the coming months. Brooklyn will be tested down the stretch against a ton of quality teams and will need to be at its best to stay toward the top of the pack ahead of the postseason. Here’s are some of the more notable opponents the Nets will face after the All-Star break.

Milwaukee Bucks: 2
Boston Celtics: 2
Toronto Raptors: 2
Indiana Pacers: 2
Philadelphia 76ers: 1
Los Angeles Lakers: 1
Utah Jazz: 1

Brooklyn will take on the Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks multiple times in the back half of the season, but neither of those teams is considered a real threat. Teams like the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, and Denver Nuggets are also on the Nets’ schedule, though, and that trio can give any team in the NBA a run for its money.