The first half, really above 60%, of the NBA season is over by the All-Star break this year. We should know what teams are good, and what teams are playing for those ping pong balls – I’m looking at you Phoenix and Philly. To start us off I will go through the Eastern Conference teams and predict where they will end up based upon their record so far. *As a cop out I will assume that there will be no injuries.* As Drake did, let us start from the bottom!
Bottom Dwellers
Philadelphia 76ers (8-45) & Brooklyn Nets (14-40)
I don’t want to spend too much time on these two teams. What is noteworthy is that Brooklyn does not own their first round pick (Boston does) which means they are tanking, but not really trying to, so that is just extra painful. Meanwhile, what Philly has been doing these past 3 years has been an assault on the eyes and minds of their fans. We all know what they are doing and understand, yet it still may not work.
Fork in the Road
These teams: Milwaukee (22-32), New York Knickerbockers (23-32), Orlando (23-29), and Washington (23-28) have a choice to make. Do they press on and make a second half run or just fall by the way side.
It seems that the Knicks are in it to get to the post-season, which is possibly to their detriment. That is only if they are able to trick a coach into taking a job that seems doomed. Kurt Rambis will not (should not?) be their head coach at the end of the year (prediction, a safe one though). Porzingis has surprised many with an ability to come right in and have three point range and defense despite worries he was too thin, eye test says he will be fine. They will build off of him, and with Carmelo shooting down all trade talks they know at least two guys that will be with them next year. They won’t make it to the playoffs (shocker).
Milwaukee is a young team that has had its moments so far this year but has not found its way. With Jabari Parker and Giannis Antetokounmpo they have players to build around but within the revived East they still will not be able to break through. Orlando is much the same story only further south. Oladipo lacks consistency and they still need offense from Aaron Gordon and others. These two teams may benefit from a trade more so than trying to tank for the season.
This leaves us Washington. What a disappointment this season. Their defense has struggled all season and although John Wall has risen to the challenge occasionally he can’t do it by himself. Beal has been injured far too often and for some reason ownership and the front office still think they have a chance at KD. This franchise may just benefit more from cleaning house in the front office and coaching than the rest in this section. The disappointment continues and they miss out on being the 8th seed.
A Chance (in the playoffs group)
These teams have a chance or ARE in position to be in the playoffs but have no real shot at representing the East in the Finals. Detroit (27-27), Charlotte (27-26), Chicago (27-25), Miami (29-24), Atlanta (31-24), and Indiana (28-25). These teams are just below the top in the East. I think Indiana has the best chance from this group as Paul George has seen a resurgence this year and could be considered the second best player in the East.
I would like to have a special mention and commend Boston (32-23) as they have no real shot with their current roster. Their team is just not deep enough with scorers; just about everyone on their team can be shut down in the much more intense playoffs. Isaiah Thomas will not get you there. They are over achieving and should be trying to make a trade to get over the top (using Brooklyn’s pick).
Runner-up
Despite their playoff implosion last year against Washington, Toronto (35-17) finds itself knocking on the door with great play from DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry (both All-Stars). They will be challenging the top team from the East.
The Favorite
To no one’s surprise it is Cleveland. They have Lebron, they have Kyrie, and they have Kevin Love (?). Despite some crazy trade rumors I think the Cavaliers are fine with what they have. People forget that Kevin Love did not even play in the Finals and they still took Golden State to six games. The road to the NBA Finals in the East will be through Cleveland.
Let’s go to the fun part! Predictions! Below are predictions for seeding and then the final pairing for the Eastern Conference Finals with the winner in bold.
- Cleveland
- Indiana- my boldest prediction so far is that Indiana will surge in the playoffs.
- Toronto
- Atlanta
- Boston
- Miami
- Chicago
- Detroit – I gave the edge to Detroit over Charlotte here because I believe in Stan the Man.
Cleveland vs. Indiana, with the Cavaliers winning in five games. I can’t wait for this to be wrong, just bring me playoff basketball already…
Slider image courtesy of theodysseyonline.com
Header image courtesy of www.thesixerscave.com
