While the All-Star break has officially come and gone, it’s never too early to begin predictions for seeding in the NBA playoffs! With a flurry of offseason acquisitions made by many Eastern and Western conference contending teams, here is a breakdown of the teams I predict to reach the playoffs. In the Eastern Conference, there are virtually three serious contenders (Raptors, Celtics, and Cavaliers) that have a legitimate opportunity to reach the NBA finals. After that, there is a significant dropdown to young teams who lack experience (Wizards, Bucks, Pacers, Sixers). The latter half of the breakdown of teams in the East comes down to those pushing for that final playoff spot (Pistons, Heat, Hornets). The East is certainly more competitive this year, but time will tell which teams acquisitions at the deadline will put them over the edge.
Eastern Conference:
1.) Toronto Raptors vs. 8.) Miami Heat
The Raptors have once again proven they are an outstanding regular season team and this year is no different. They have been by far the most consistent and overall complete/balanced team in the East and are on pace for an impressive 58 win regular season. The nucleus of this team led by DeRozan, Lowry, Valuncunias, and Ibaka continues to develop and the offseason additions via free agency and the draft have Toronto celebrating. For the Heat, I believe the addition of Dwyane Wade will be more important than people think. With Wade’s leadership and experience, he will provide this young team with guidance and support. Miami has a relatively difficult remaining SOS, but I expect them to beat out Detroit for that final playoff spot in the East. This young core in Miami will have the chance to face Toronto one more time in the regular season and are currently 1-1 (90-89 W, 115-112 L) against them this year.
2.) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 7.) Indiana Pacers
The Cavaliers have been one of the most controversial, yet intriguing teams in this years NBA. Any team with LeBron James on it garners the attentions of fans and the media and this year has certainly been no different. The Cavaliers appear to have finally turned the table and refocused their efforts towards reaching a fourth straight NBA finals. Last season saw the Cavs finish 2nd behind Boston and we know Cleveland does not put its efforts until playoff time. With this new group of young players in place, Cleveland looks poised to make a return to the East finals and beyond. In their opening round matchup, I have them facing an upcoming Pacers team led by sharpshooter and first time All-Star Victor Oladipo. For Indiana, very few predicted them to be in the playoffs this year and very few will have them winning their opening round series, especially if it’s against the Cavaliers.
3.) Boston Celtics vs. 6.) Philadelphia 76’ers
At the halfway point, the Celtics have overseen expectations in my opinion. Brad Stevens was even quoted as saying, “I’ve said all along that I don’t think we’re quite as good as our record. And I think we have to get a lot better. I still feel that way. After a tough week, sometimes it makes you take even more of a hard look at it”. The Celtics headed into the break having lost 4 of their last 5, most notably in a 121-99 blowout by Cleveland. This was a reality check for the young Celtics, but also a learning experience. Against the top tiers teams (Warriors, Rockets, Cavaliers, Raptors), the Celtics are 4-4 which is no real reason for concern. One of their victories over Houston is in large part to Marcus Smart’s antics, but a win is a win. This potential matchup may be a cause of concern for Boston, as Philadelphia is a big team with Joel Embiid at center and Ben Simmon opting to run the point guard position throughout the game. As good as the Sixers have been this year, I expect the Celtics to prevail in this matchup and imagine what a second round matchup with Cleveland would be like. Exciting to say the least!
4.) Milwaukee Bucks vs. 5.) Washington Wizards
This matchup is one of the more exciting ones in the East in my opinion! The Bucks are led by Giannis Antetoukounmpo, who looks poised to be LeBron James’ successor down the road. The Bucks have a very balanced team led by Giannis, a healthy Jabari Parker, and Eric Bledsoe running the point. This Bucks team is one to be feared come playoff time and I would pick them in a first round matchup against the Wizards team who have been inconsistent this year. Milwaukee has the 7th most different schedule remaining in the NBA at .495%, but they have the talent to finish strong. Against the Wizards this season, the Bucks are 2-1 thanks to the play of Giannis, Bledsoe, and Khris Middleton. With a healthy Malcolm Brogdon due back before the playoffs, there is no telling how well this team can play. For Washington, their main focus is getting All-Star point guard John Wall back and healthy in time for the playoffs. Although the Wizards have the easiest strength of schedule remaining in the NBA , it makes difficult without John Wall running the offense.
DQ Sports blog 