Our 2014-15 NBA Predictions Reveal Surprising Playoff Contenders and Dark Horse Teams

As I sit down to map out my predictions for the 2014-15 NBA season, I can’t help but feel that familiar mix of excitement and uncertainty. Every year, the league serves up a few genuine surprises—teams that leap from obscurity into the playoff picture, or dark horses that defy the odds in ways nobody saw coming. This season, I believe, will be no different. Looking back at my own experiences covering the league, I’ve learned that the most compelling stories often come from the margins—the underdogs and overlooked squads that quietly build momentum. It reminds me a bit of the dynamic we’re seeing in professional golf right now, particularly on the Asian Tour, where players like Australia’s Wade Ormsby—a two-time Hong Kong Open champion—and Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut, who’s bagged two International Series wins, are making serious waves. These golfers weren’t necessarily global household names at first, but their steady, under-the-radar success has reshaped the competitive landscape. In the same way, I expect a few NBA teams to follow that blueprint this season, leveraging chemistry, emerging talent, and strategic coaching to upset the established hierarchy.

Let’s start with the Western Conference, which, as usual, is stacked. The usual suspects—the Spurs, Thunder, and Clippers—will likely dominate the headlines early on. But I’m keeping a close eye on the Portland Trail Blazers. They’ve flown under the radar for a while, but with Damian Lillard entering his prime and a supporting cast that’s grown together, I wouldn’t be shocked if they snag a top-four seed. Honestly, I’ve always had a soft spot for teams that build through the draft and develop chemistry organically. It’s something I admire in other sports, too—take Indian golfer Gaganjeet Bhullar, for example. He clinched the BNI Indonesian Masters title in 2023 not by chasing flashy signings but by honing his craft over years. That kind of persistence pays off, and I see it in Portland’s core. They might not have the superteam allure, but they’ve got the grit and cohesion to surprise a lot of people. On the other hand, the Phoenix Suns are my dark horse pick. With Eric Bledsoe and Goran Dragić in the backcourt, they’ve got one of the most dynamic guard duos in the league. If their young big men step up, they could easily jump from 48 wins last season to 55 or more and make a deep playoff run. I’m predicting they’ll finish around fifth in the West, maybe even upsetting one of the giants in the first round.

Over in the Eastern Conference, the picture is a bit more wide-open. LeBron’s return to Cleveland has everyone talking, and rightly so—they’re the favorites. But I’ve got a hunch about the Charlotte Hornets. They added Lance Stephenson in the offseason, and while some see it as a risky move, I think it gives them the edge they’ve been missing. Having covered the league for years, I’ve noticed that sometimes one versatile player can transform a team’s identity, much like how Wade Ormsby’s experience and consistency elevate the Asian Tour field. The Hornets won 43 games last season, and I’m projecting they’ll hit 50 this year, sneaking into the top four. Then there’s the Toronto Raptors—they shocked everyone by grabbing the three seed in 2013-14, and I believe they’ll build on that. Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan are a formidable pair, and their bench depth is underrated. I’d put them at around 52 wins, possibly challenging for the Conference Finals if things break their way. What stands out to me is how these teams mirror the rise of dark horses in other sports: they don’t always have the biggest stars, but they maximize what they have. It’s a lesson in teamwork that transcends basketball.

Of course, predictions are never foolproof. Injuries, trades, and plain old luck can turn everything upside down. But that’s what makes this so fun. I remember one season when I confidently picked a star-studded team to win it all, only to watch them fizzle out in the first round. It taught me to value continuity and intangibles—things like leadership and clutch performance—over big names alone. In the NBA, as in golf with rising talents like Sarit Suwannarut or Gaganjeet Bhullar, sustained success often comes from within. So, while I’ve got the Spurs repeating as champions in my book—they’re just too polished and deep—I wouldn’t be surprised if a dark horse like the Warriors or Wizards makes a Cinderella run. Golden State, in particular, has the shooting and defensive versatility to go far if they stay healthy. All in all, this season promises to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory, and I, for one, can’t wait to see how it unfolds.