It’s a pretty safe bet that the Bucks, Raptors, Pacers, Sixers and Celtics will be the top five seeds in the Eastern Conference playoffs, in some order.
The fight for the last three berths has turned into a mad scramble with less than 20 games remaining in the regular season.
The Pistons appeared to be in deep trouble heading toward the All-Star break but they’ve suddenly shot up to the sixth slot by winning nine of their last 11 games. They possess one of the league’s most prolific frontcourt duos in Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond but improved point guard play and a hot streak from reserve Luke Kennard has also boosted their stock.
The Nets have hit a dry spell, losing three in a row before they crushed Dallas on Monday to pull even with Detroit. They’ll rely heavily on their backcourt and wings, particularly D’Angelo Russell, Caris LeVert and Joe Harris, in their quest to reach the playoffs for the first time since the 2014/15 season.
The Magic, Hornets and Heat are tightly bunched in the next tier. Orlando has won seven of its last 10 games, led by the frontcourt pairing of Nikola Vucevic and Aaron Gordon and top reserve Terrence Ross.
Charlotte and Miami have slumped in recent weeks but the Hornets have the best point guard among the teams angling for those last three spots in Kemba Walker. Miami’s floor leader, Goran Dragic, recently returned after undergoing knee surgery to aid its playoff push, though he’s now dealing with a calf injury. Dwyane Wade is still capable of big games and dramatic shots.
Even the Wizards, whose roster has been decimated by injuries and trades, remain on the fringes of the race, thanks to a career year from Bradley Beal.
That leads us to our question of the day: Which teams will claim the last three spots in the Eastern Conference playoff chase?
Please take to the comments section to weigh in on this topic. We look forward to your input.
Brooklyn in my mind is definitely gonna be in the postseason.
I’m less sure of Detroit, but I also think they’ll be in.
I think that the 8 seed will be decided in game 82 between the Magic and Hornets in Charlotte
Well put. I agree on all though Detroit may even get that 6th over the Nets. I won’t mind if Philly is 3rd seed I think Nets can challenge the Raptors.
If Boston stays at the no. 5 seed, the Pacers or Sixers might have trouble in the first round. The 6th, 7th, and 8th seeds won’t make it past the first round.
Really hoping Detroit makes the 7th seed leading to a Raptors-Pistons first round matchup. I feel Dwayne Casey will be extra motivated and would make it a difficult series.
Sixers Raptors and Bucks are the top tier in the East. I think Pacers and Celtics are second tier. The final three spots are going to be first round exists, so it doesn’t much matter. Though I believe we will see the Nets make a playoff appearance.
IMO:
1) Bucks
2)Raptors
3)76s
4)Pacers
5)Celtics
6)Detroit
7)Nets
8)Magic (only after a dogfight w/ Miami. Hornets sinking).
Fultz will return just in time to lead Orlando to glory!
Or,
6.DET, 7.BRK, 8.MIA. Brooklyn has to integrate Lavert back in. They just lost to MIA, CHA & WAS kind of badly, but they should be better off by the end.
6) Detroit
7) Brooklyn
8) Charlotte
6 – Detroit
7 – Brooklyn
8 – Orlando
Brooklyn and Orlando get swept. Detroit loses to the Sixers in 5 (6 if Embiid misses time).
This exactly.