Joel Embiid

No NBA team has ever beaten the previous three conference champions before the NBA Finals, according to CBS Sports research. Led by top MVP candidates Nikola ...

6 [Brooklyn Nets](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/BKN/brooklyn-nets/) by three games in the loss column. [Kevin Durant](/nba/players/1231866/kevin-durant/) and the new-look [Phoenix Suns](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/PHO/phoenix-suns/) in the second round, as Phoenix looks pretty locked into the No. [Miami Heat](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/MIA/miami-heat/) (who were also one [Jimmy Butler](/nba/players/1646703/jimmy-butler/) missed 3-pointer away from winning the East again last postseason). [Denver Nuggets](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/DEN/denver-nuggets/) and the Eastern Conference No. If that's the case, the Heat will be doing everything in their power to get out of the play-in, which could result in their seizing of the No. They've been hot lately, but it's not crazy to think that they might pile up a few losses and drop in the standings. If healthy, the Warriors might very well be the favorite to win the series, and a victory would mean a potential matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies, currently No. 6 and the Warriors finish at No. No [NBA team](/nba/teams/) has ever beaten the previous three conference champions before the [NBA](/nba/) Finals, according to CBS Sports research. 8 seed in the first round of the playoffs, which would be the runner-up of the play-in tournament. 3 seed [Philadelphia 76ers](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/PHI/philadelphia-76ers/) could both face unprecedented roads to a potential championship. With less than a month remaining in the NBA regular season, it's time to start taking a serious look at the playoff picture -- not only in terms of who's in and who's out but also in terms of matchups.