RealGM

Just curious how everyone thinks things are going to end up in the East. A lot of games to be played and trade deadline coming up, which could certainly change things. Here is my prediction...

A tier to themselves
1. Cleveland

Battling for #2 seed
2. Toronto
3. Atlanta
4. Chicago

The "real" playoff race for the Pistons - need to stay out of the #8 slot
5. Miami
6. Indiana
7. Pistons
8. Boston

Bubble teams
Washington
Charlotte
Orlando
Milwaukee
New York

No chance
Brooklyn
Philadelphia

Boston is gonna fight for the 4th spot. They have an easy schedule after the ASB.

Miami and Charlotte will be fighting for 8th spot.

Avoid CLE/TOR and we got a chance.

Cavs aren't losing in 1st rd and neither are the Raps for the 3rd yr straight. All the other teams can be had imo

El Chivo wrote:Boston is gonna fight for the 4th spot. They have an easy schedule after the ASB.

Miami and Charlotte will be fighting for 8th spot.

I think my hate for Boston might have biased my rankings a bit But 5-8 is going to be interesting, and Chicago without Noah could slide down into the mix as well.

between third and eight spot I see no more difference than 5/6 wins

i'd put toronto in the cavs tier if we're talking about regular season.

i still maintain that our goal should be to get home court advantage in round one, which is definitely possible. 3rd might be a bit of a stretch but 4th is definitely within reach.


also i wouldn't put chicago in that second tier. they're closer to 8th seed than 2nd.

I feel Toronto is gonna slide into that 4-5 seed. We'll be 6 or 7 unless a trade happens to upgrade PF. My bias towards Boston makes me think they'll slide too with Wizards moving up once they get healthy

I think Chicago is going to drop further. They've played the least amount of road games compared to the other Top 8 teams. I think the 4th spot is definitely up for grabs. Depending on trades and injuries in the league, we could go up as high as #4 and as low as #8. Toronto is officially a Top 2 team. The top 3 teams' real fight is after the ASG. We'll see how Cleveland responds to a new head coach. It could go well or sour for them.

Canadafan wrote:I feel Toronto is gonna slide into that 4-5 seed. We'll be 6 or 7 unless a trade happens to upgrade PF. My bias towards Boston makes me think they'll slide too with Wizards moving up once they get healthy

A fellow Celtic hater. High five!

If Wall stays healthy they should make the playoffs. Also not counting out Charlotte.
I'm expecting Wade to miss a few games again... Guessing the two teams that fall will be Miami & Boston.