National Basketball Association

Colin Cowherd answers: Which NBA playoff teams are trending up, down or sideways?

Updated May. 21, 2021 6:16 p.m. ET

Which teams have the most momentum not only heading into the NBA playoffs but also long-term?

Colin Cowherd examined a few of the teams in the NBA's playoff field and offered his thoughts on their trajectories in Thursday's episode of "The Herd."

"Where do I think, in this moment, these playoff teams are going?" Cowherd asked. "Are they ascending? Are they kind of flat? … Or are they headed down and overvalued?"

Let's see what he thought, with some info about the teams and insights from FOX Bet as of Friday.

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Philadelphia 76ers: Trending up

Previous 10 games: 8-2

Upcoming series: Philadelphia 76ers vs. Washington Wizards (Game 1: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, TNT)

Odds to win first round: -1000 | Championship odds: +800

Cowherd's thoughts: "I think Doc [Rivers] works with these guys. They're big personalities. They're stars. Doc is the Joe Torre of the NBA. He walks into the room, he's alpha enough. Stars respect him. I like where the Sixers are going."

Brooklyn Nets: Trending down

Previous 10 games: 6-4

Upcoming series: Brooklyn Nets vs. Boston Celtics (Game 1: 8 p.m. ET Saturday, ABC)

Odds to win first round: -1200 | Championship odds: +225

Cowherd's thoughts: "The more I see of them, the less I like them. … You're gonna be building chemistry in the playoffs. Also, [James] Harden has missed 21 of 24 games. I think he's ready to play, but we just don't know."

Milwaukee Bucks: Trending up

Previous 10 games: 8-2

Upcoming series: Milwaukee Bucks vs. Miami Heat (Game 1: 2 p.m. ET Saturday, ESPN)

Odds to win first round: -333 | Championship odds: +750

Cowherd's thoughts: "I do like that we've largely dismissed them, and I think Giannis Antetokounmpo was better this year than last [year] when he was MVP."

New York Knicks: Trending down

Previous 10 games: 7-3

Upcoming series: New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks (Game 1: 7 p.m. ET Sunday, TNT)

Odds to win first round: +100 | Championship odds: +8000

Cowherd's thoughts: "Let's slow it down. Of their entire roster, they've got 16 games of playoff experience. Twelve are Nerlens Noel."

Miami Heat: Trending sideways

Previous 10 games: 8-2

Upcoming series: Heat at Bucks (Game 1: 2 p.m. ET Saturday, ESPN)

Odds to win first round: +250 | Championship odds: +3000

Cowherd's thoughts: "Very dependent on Jimmy Butler. When Jimmy Butler plays, they're great. When he doesn't, they're bad. … This team is all about Jimmy Butler."

Phoenix Suns: Trending up

Previous 10 games: 7-3

Upcoming series: Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers (Game 1: 3:30 p.m. ET Sunday, ABC)

Odds to win first round: +130 | Championship odds: +2200

Cowherd's thoughts: "They're a little young to get to the next level this year. … So I like where they're going. I just don't think they're ready for the ultimate destination yet."

Los Angeles Lakers: Trending up

Previous 10 games: 7-3

Upcoming series: Lakers at Suns (Game 1: 3:30 p.m. ET Sunday, ABC)

Odds to win first round: -162 | Championship odds: +350

Cowherd's thoughts: "For them, it's a matter of now they'll be at least evenly rested to the teams they play. So I think they're fine."

LA Clippers: Trending sideways

Previous 10 games: 4-6

Upcoming series: LA Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks (Game 1: 4:30 p.m. ET Saturday, ESPN)

Odds to win first round: -450 | Championship odds: +450

Cowherd's thoughts: "I just have to watch them play. We know they're talented. We know Ty Lue is a good coach. We know Kawhi [Leonard] is get-a-bucket, get-a-stop guy. But sometimes, you just have to see a team play."

Golden State Warriors: Trending down

Previous 10 games: 8-2

Upcoming series: Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies (Play-in: 9 p.m. ET Friday, ESPN)

Odds to win play-in: -167 | Championship odds: +8000

Cowherd's thoughts: "I think they're completely Steph [Curry]-dependent. In fact, I looked up a number this morning. When Steph was on the floor this year, they're plus-248. When he's off the floor, they're minus-175."

For Cowherd's full breakdown, check out the video below: