Before the season began, a lot of people thought the Brooklyn Nets won't be making the playoffs, and it seemed that they were headed for an early vacation based on their performance early on. Heading into April, the Nets are currently seventh in the Eastern Conference standings with a 38-38 record.

Even though the Nets are all but officially in the playoffs, head coach Kenny Atkinson still believes that people still underestimate them, despite the major strides they have taken this season.

Atkinson told The Athletic's Michael Scotto that he or his players aren't mad that a lot of fans still expect them to miss the postseason.

“I told the guys that we’re not favored and I think it’s a good way to take it. It’s no offense to me or them, it’s just the way this league is. Just doing your job isn’t enough.”

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Led by first time All-Star D'Angelo Russell, together with up-and-comers Spencer Dinwiddie, Jarrett Allen, and Caris LeVert, the Nets have turned heads this season. They clawed their way from the 12th spot to as high as the sixth seed in the conference standings. Their performance in January, where they won 11 of their 20 games, is the main reason they became a playoff contender. However, the Nets weren't able to maintain their momentum and have become inconsistent ever since.

Brooklyn has six games left, and at this point, it would take a major collapse for them to get knocked out of the playoffs. The Orlando Magic and Charlotte Hornets, who are currently ninth and tenth in the conference, respectively still have a legitimate shot at stealing their spot in the playoffs.

It is up to the Nets to once again prove their doubters wrong.