Post by Boston Celtics on Jul 2, 2007 14:16:52 GMT
Playoff Picture in the East
At one end of the Eastern Conference it seems quite easy to predict who definitely will make the playoffs at the end of April. I don't think anyone can argue that the following teams are most likely going to be in the Top 8 somewhere:
a). Detroit Pistons
b). Cleveland Cavaliers
c). Chicago Bulls
d). Toronto Raptors
e). Orlando Magic
That's five teams there, and then there's:
f). Miami Heat
g). New Jersey Nets
...which will probably also join the top 5 in the playoffs. I can't imagine more than one or two of the above mentioned teams slipping out of the Top 8, unless their GM decides to make a major turnaround via trades this season.
So the big question is: Who are the main contenders for the remaining playoff spot/s?
h). Washington Wizards
All that leaves is New York and Philadelphia who, I think it's safe to say, are in a rebuliding phase and doing so with clever moves.
At one end of the Eastern Conference it seems quite easy to predict who definitely will make the playoffs at the end of April. I don't think anyone can argue that the following teams are most likely going to be in the Top 8 somewhere:
a). Detroit Pistons
b). Cleveland Cavaliers
c). Chicago Bulls
d). Toronto Raptors
e). Orlando Magic
That's five teams there, and then there's:
f). Miami Heat
g). New Jersey Nets
...which will probably also join the top 5 in the playoffs. I can't imagine more than one or two of the above mentioned teams slipping out of the Top 8, unless their GM decides to make a major turnaround via trades this season.
So the big question is: Who are the main contenders for the remaining playoff spot/s?
h). Washington Wizards
- The Wizards have been unlucky so far this season. Any team with Arenas and Butler should do well, and they are now complemented by a competent frontcourt in Biedrins and Harrington.
- Sacramento holds their first rounder this year, so the Hawks have no choice but to improve and make a run for the playoffs. Al Jefferson, Ron Artest and Joe Johnson are quite a strong trio.
- Some of Indiana's deals have seemed questionable, and their team wasn't the strongest as it was, can the Pacers contend with Okur instead of Jermaine?
- The Bobcats now have a Paul Pierce/Vince Carter combo, but will their inexperienced frontcourt be able to keep up?
- Even in the Central Division, Milwaukee still remains a possibility with Shawn Marion (94) on the team.
- Dare I mention my own team? The pairing of 2004 draftees Emeka Okafor and Josh Smith can provide a foundation for the next decade. All I need now is some more confident offensive stars.
All that leaves is New York and Philadelphia who, I think it's safe to say, are in a rebuliding phase and doing so with clever moves.