Eastern Conference Playoff Predictions

With the NBA all star break approaching and the Eastern conference being as jumbled as it is, what better time to predict which teams will end up in this year’s playoffs? Just going to go through what I think will be the top 8 including what happens with the play in games for the bottom seeds. The 4th and the 14th seeds are only separated by 4 games in the loss column making every game for these teams important.

Starting at the top I think it's pretty easy to decide the top 3 teams and the order will probably be close but I predict the Sixers finish 1st because they have been there all year and have shown that they are focused on keeping the one seed. The Nets and Bucks will not be far behind but the Nets do not play defense which is an easy way to lose to random teams during the regular season. The Bucks on the other hand have been in a funk all year, and do not seem to have the same fire power as usual. I’m predicting Sixers at 1, Nets at 2, and Bucks at 3, as of today these are the only consistently good teams in the conference and even then all of them have their faults.

The following is where it could go in numerous ways but I believe the Raptors will take back and hold the 4th seed. Currently in 7th but only a game back anyway, Toronto plays nightmarish defense and have been on a roll recently after a slow start. With or without Lowry I think they will continue to climb the standings and finish in 4th. Next the Knicks will get the 5th seed this year. They have a great coach who has their young roster playing hard and they’re starting to gel right now. Julius Randle is playing out of his mind and they are a tough game every night. Playing hard in the regular season will get you wins just on effort and we all know Thibbs makes his team work.

6,7,and 8 will all be close but as happy as it would make me to have either Miami or Boston miss the playoffs I predict they will both get out of the slump and at least keep pace with the rest of the teams having the Heat take 6th and Celtics take 7th. If either of these teams has to take part in a play-in situation I expect they’d win and get in no doubt. Finally, the 8th seed many people are liking the Hornets to hold the 8th spot behind LaMelo Ball’s great rookie year but I don’t believe this team has the firepower to hold on the whole year. Look for the Wizards to make a push and get at least into the play-in games and possibly secure the 8th seed. Beal is playing tremendous basketball and Westbrook is out of his slump. They have won 7 of their last 10 and all the other teams do not really make me believe. At least with Washington we know we are getting two absolutely great players which is more than what the rest of the bottom teams have to offer.

So when all is said and done this is how I see the standings shaking out:

1. Sixers

2. Nets

3. Bucks

4. Raptors

5. Knicks

6. Heat

7. Celtics

8. Wizards

Written by: Sean Oneill

March 1st, 2021