The NBA season is about a quarter of the way through and the playoff outlook is starting to shape up, especially in the Eastern Conference.
Barring a huge turnaround, the Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks, and Charlotte Hornets won’t make the playoffs. Of these teams, the Hornets appear to have the best shot, and could make up the ground. But for now they’re out.
That leaves 11 teams vying for eight seeds, including the injury-depleted Indiana Pacers and the surprising Milwaukee Bucks.
Check out the latest playoff predictions below.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs have stringed together an eight game winning streak after a three game losing streak, and are looking stronger and stronger. Two of the wins came over conference rivals Washington and Toronto. The team will most likely finish in the top four, and has a good shot at finishing number 1 in the division.
The Cavs have been subject of much of the trade rumors and speculation so far, and will likely make at least one deal for a swingman or rim protector before the deadline.
2. Washington Wizards
The Wizards have broken into the top tier of the conference, and are up here because they’ve weathered injuries a little better than the Raptors, and aren’t as injury prone as the now infamous Bulls. The Wizards also appear to be a lock for the top four after finishing fifth last season.
The Wizards are getting a great year so far from John Wall, who is in the top 5 in the league in both assists and steals, but more interesting is the 3-point shooting of Rasual Butler, who is shooting 53 percent from behind the arc while averaging 10.9 points per game.
3. Toronto Raptors
The Raptors are off to a strong start, and have been winning some tough games even after losing DeMar DeRozan, who is expected to return soon. But the losses are starting to pile up, as the team has gone 2-3 without him, including the game he left on November 28.
Kyle Lowry has made his mark so far, averaging 20.3 points on 44 percent shooting, along with 7.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists, but it’s clear this isn’t the same team without DeRozan.
4. Chicago Bulls
Chicago has had a lot of injuries so far, which could mean that they'll be much healthier for much of the rest of the season or could signal a season-long issue. Either way, it’s shown with losses to some lesser teams. One constant has been Jimmy Butler, outstanding with 21.7 points on 48 percent shooting in 39.9 minutes per game.
The Bulls bench is also coming through as well, with some players stepping into the starting lineup and others still doing well off the bench. Nikola Mirotic is perhaps the best addition besides Pau Gasol, averaging 6.9 points and 5.1 rebounds off the bench in 17.6 minutes per game.
5. Atlanta Hawks
If any other team in the conference is going to be in the top four come playoff time, it’s Atlanta. The well-rounded team is spearheaded by point guard Jeff Teague, and has taken down the Wizards, among other quality foes so far. Teague is averaging 17.5 points on 49 percent shooting, including 42 percent shooting from downtown, and 7.1 assists.
On the other hand, the Hawks have had a relatively easy schedule so far, so we'll see how well they hold up later in the year, after a brutal stretch that includes the Bulls, Cavs, Houston Rockets, and Dallas Mavericks.
6. Milwaukee Bucks
The surprise of the conference should get into the playoffs, and could climb as high as sixth place. Some observers are comparing the team to last years’ Wizards, and the Bucks could definitely pull off a first-round upset some playoff time.
With a deep rotation and a slew of young players, the Bucks have gotten quality wins over the Memphis Grizzlies and Miami Heat, and came close to upsetting the Cavs, Mavs, and Bulls.
7. Miami Heat
It’s hard to imagine the Heat not making the playoffs, especially in the weak Eastern Conference, behind Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade. They’re both averaging over 20 points a game, but need more help from their teammates.
Look for Josh McRoberts to be playing better and better as he adjusts to his new team, and hopefully Danny Granger can give them something at some point.
8. Brooklyn Nets
The lower seeds will definitely be ripe for a team like the Pacers or Orlando Magic to slip in, but it’s also hard to imagine the Nets not even making the playoffs. Even if the team does trade away one of its best players, they should be in contention until the last couple games at the very least.
Look for the Nets to start being more consistent, and get more wins over quality foes like the San Antonio Spurs. If not, the Magic, Pacers, or Boston Celtics could easily nab this slot.
See Current Standings Below (as of December 10)
1. Toronto Raptors (16-6)
2. Atlanta Hawks (14-6)
3. Washington Wizards (14-6)
4. Cleveland Cavaliers (13-7)
5. Chicago Bulls (12-8)
6. Milwaukee Bucks (11-12)
7. Miami Heat (10-11)
8. Brooklyn Nets (8-11)
9. Orlando Magic (9-14)
10. Boston Celtics (7-12)
11. Indiana Pacers (7-14)
12. Charlotte Hornets (5-15)
13. New York Knicks (4-19)
14. Detroit Pistons (3-19)
15. Philadelphia 76ers (2-18)
