Man, time flies. The NBA playoffs are right around the corner — we’re literally just 60 days away. But it still feels like we know absolutely NOTHING about the league right now.

For example, do we know for certain which teams are strong enough to squeak into the playoffs as the 8th seed? Will the Rockets ever sign another center? Will Ben Simmons take another three? We don’t know.

There are so many questions just waiting to be answered in the final third of the season before we get to April. We’ve got a bunch of them right here for you.

Here are the burning questions we need answered as a basketball viewing public, with teams listed in order of their current standing in each conference.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

1. How are you supposed to stop the Bucks?

Well,  their defense is pretty much an impenetrable wall and their best player is a flying death machine, by himself, who is having one of the best regular seasons ever.

So, basically, ¯_(ツ)_/¯

2. Can the Raptors actually repeat?

Maybe! Last year at the All-Star break they were 43-16. This year, they’re 40-15 – so they aren’t far off. Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet have gotten even better an Kyle Lowry is still doing Kyle Lowry things. They’re a threat still.

3. Did Jayson Tatum finally make “The Leap” and how does that change things?

The 2019 edition of Jayson Tatum was bad. He shot the ball poorly and couldn’t finish layups. Since that calendar hit 2020, though? Dude has been balling. He’s shooting 47% from the floor and 40% from three while giving us all world defense.

If they get this Tatum the rest of the way? The best team in the West might be booking trips to Boston come June.

4. What is the Heat’s ceiling?

Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo are incredible. But still, they’re playing with a bunch of dudes who are punching above their collective weight. Maybe they’re that good, maybe they’re not. We’ll know by April.

5. Can this sixers roster work as a unit?

The Sixers are the living embodiment of the term “on paper.” Their collection of talent should be able to beat anyone, but it turns out they can’t beat anyone — especially on the road. Can they solve that problem? We’ll see.

6. What can the Pacers get from Victor Oladipo?

Oladipo has been hit-and-miss in seven games back with the Pacers, but it’s only been seven games. If he improves, the Pacers are dangerous.

7. The Nets should probably start tanking, right?

One would think! Kyrie Irving is hurt again, they’re three games under .500, they’re the 7th seed right now. But who am I kidding? They’re totally getting swept by the Raptors in the first round while Kyrie takes 56 shots per game.

8. Uhhhh, the Magic?

I have no idea what they’re doing or where they’re headed. But Markelle Fultz seems good – so that’s great!

9. To Beal or not to Beal? That is the question.

It’s going to be so fun when the Wizards miss the playoffs by half a game this year and Bradley Beal finally demands his trade. SO FUN.

Sidebar: Never be a Wizards fan, folks. It’s unhealthy.

10. Is Zach LaVine worth going all in on?

Zach LaVine has legitimately turned into one of the league’s most polarizing players.

He’s one of the best scorers in the NBA… but he’s also a matador on defense. He’s just 24 years old… and is still turnover machine. See what I’m getting at? No idea what his future holds with the Bulls or elsewhere.

11. Is Devonte’ Graham a building block?

That game says yes. The Hornets might think otherwise, though. We’ll see.

12. Who is going to coach the Knicks next year?

Mike Miller has the Knicks at 13-20 in 33 games as their interim head coach and seems to be making a breakthrough with the young guys on the team… so we definitely know he’s out the door next season, right?

13. What the are the Pistons ACTUALLY doing?

Again,  ¯_(ツ)_/¯. That Drummond trade, man.

14. What do the Hawks need to compete next year?

Trae Young, Clint Capela and John Collins are very good-to-great offensive pieces. It still feels like they need one more piece to make some noise next year, though.

15. How fast can they get beilein out of there?

This is how I like to imagine the conversation between Dan Gilbert and John Beilein going.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

1. Can the Lakers win a title with what they have?

They’d better because, uh, this is it, y’all. The trade deadline has passed, Darren Collison isn’t coming through and the buyout market is, well, not great.

Let’s be honest, though. This team is still pretty great. Also, we’ve seen LeBron James drag way worse into June before. They’ll be fine.

2. Can the Nuggets actually get to the Finals?

It’s definitely possible. Nikola Jokic has been the absolute best center in the NBA this season and the Nuggets have been pretty impressive against tough competition. It’s a tough road, but don’t count them out.

3. When will the Clippers actually be healthy?

The correct answer is probably not this regular season, but the Clippers are definitely hoping things are fine by May. Paul George is out now with a strained hamstring and that kept him out for nine straight games in January. He might not be good again until mid-March.

4. Can the Jazz get Grizzlies-ERA Mike Conley?

Conley is the difference between the Jazz being an elite team and a second-round out. They did a chunk of their winning while he was out of the lineup with a hamstring injury, but for them to have the offensive versatility they’ve lacked in the last couple of postseasons, they need him to deliver vintage performances.

5. Will the small ball Rockets actually work?

They’re 5-2 with P.J. Tucker starting at center and look pretty good. But, man, it’s hard to imagine Tucker or Robert Covington or whoever else guarding Nikola Jokic or Anthony Davis over a seven-game series.

6. What is the Thunder’s ceiling?

Chris Paul has been absolutely incredible this year and their three guard lineups with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Paul and Dennis Schröder have been killer. But Paul is 36 years old and this team isn’t lasting forever.

7. Can Luka Doncic Cause Playoff Chaos?

Only one player in the history of the NBA has averaged at least 28 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists per game. It’s Luka. 2-seeds beware. The Mavericks are going to be a beast.

8. The Grizzlies Are going to be scary next season, Right?

Ja Morant at point. Dillon Brooks taking your best player out of the game. Jaren Jackson protecting the rim and shooting threes. The best is very clearly still ahead of this team, but they’re also amazing to watch right now.

9. How long is Damian Lillard out for?

Lillard strained his groin just before the All-Star break, which stinks. The Blazers obviously caught a huge break with virtually no basketball being played this week, but if he has to miss extended time? They’re cooked.

10. The Spurs’ playoff streak is really going to die, isn’t it?

Man. This is really looking like the end of an era. They’re not out of it, but they’re five games behind the Grizzlies and in the 10th spot. Pop can’t go out like this, man.

11. How hard does Zion have to snap to win rookie of the year?

If we had to vote today it’d easily be Ja Morant. As great as Zion Williamson has been in 10 games, it’s still only 10 games. When he hits, say, 30? And he’s still averaging 22.1 points per game? That’s when we’ll at least have a conversation.

12. Why aren’t the Suns better?

Poor Devin Booker. At the start of the season it looked like the Suns were a legit playoff squad. Now? It’s probably time to build your draft board, Suns’ fans.

13. IS Buddy Hield gone?

The beef brewing between Buddy Hield and the Kings organization is just so Kings. First, they overpaid Hield. Then they benched him. Now, he wants out. There is absolutely no way this ends well.

14. What do the Wolves have to do to get Devin Booker?

D’Angelo Russell was the first piece. Karl-Anthony Towns was already in place. All that’s left? D Book. The littlest big 3 is almost intact.

Booker is already being asked about it.

15. The Warriors are really going to get the #1 pick, aren’t they?

Yup. It’s happening. I’m sorry in advance.

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