Who Will Make It in the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs
With five teams clinching their playoff berths recently, the only mystery surrounding the Eastern Conference NBA playoffs are the three remaining spots. The Western Conference got all of its playoff contenders – it’s just a matter of seeds there now. In the East, though, four teams are still in play for the final 3 spots with only a few remaining games on the schedule. If you follow basketball betting tips, you know that predicting the last three teams to make the Eastern Conference Playoffs is not an easy task.
After the Pacers clinched the playoffs in March, there were 4 spots left for grabs. Boston clinched its playoff spot next, leaving four teams to fight for the three remaining spots – the Detroit Pistons, Brooklyn Nets, Orlando Magic, and Miami Heat.
At the moment, the Miami Heat are on the 9th spot right behind the Magic half a game behind. That could all change soon, though, as Miami’s schedule to the end of the season includes a finale against the Nets which could ultimately determine the last playoff contender in the East.
Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons have four games until the end of the season, but winning them won’t be simple without the help of Blake Griffin who’s out injured. Currently sitting on the sixth spot in the East, Detroit’s best chances of clinching a playoff spot is to win the remaining games. The schedule includes Oklahoma, Charlotte, Memphis, and New York, which means that Dwane Casey’s team has a lot of work on its hands.
If the Pistons manage to win all games, they will no doubt enter the playoffs. Detroit is the only East team without a playoff game won in the past 10 years, and they’ll be looking to break the curse in Griffin’s first full season as a Piston.
Brooklyn Nets
The Nets have a tough schedule until the end of the season. Currently sharing the number 7 spot in the East with the Magic, the Nets are dying for a playoff appearance but could yet again fail. The final of their remaining games is a trip to Miami against the Heat which may decide who gets to the playoffs. Due to the pressure that might get to some of the players, it’s better for Brooklyn to play it safe and win the other games before they clash with the Heat. That could prove a challenge, though, as the Nets face the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers before Miami.
It’s fair to say that the Nets have 3 finals on their hands. D’Angelo Russell will need all the help he can get if the Nets are to pull through. The team has been working hard to reach the playoffs and fully deserves it, but it might not be enough.
Orlando Magic
Led by Nikola Vucevic, the Orlando Magic have been impressive lately, winning against the Pacers and Heat to jump over their Florida rivals and occupy the 8th spot in the East. The Magic have missed the playoffs for six straight years but look ready to break the dry spell this year. However, with games against the Celtics and pesky Hornets, that could prove to be too big a challenge.
The Magic should handle the Hawks pretty easily, with the duels against the Celtics and Hornets key to their playoff hopes. They’ll need to shoot on all cylinders, though, which can be a problem considering the team’s inconsistency this season.
Miami Heat
The last team in contention for a playoff spot are the Miami Heat. Hoping to give Dwyane Wade one last playoff run, the Florida team is currently outside of the top 8. Even worse, Miami has a pretty tricky schedule ahead.
The Heat play the Timberwolves first, then the Raptors, 76ers, and finally, the Brooklyn Nets on the final day of the season. Miami has the quality to win all these games and the fact that the Raptors and 76ers have already clinched playoff spots also goes in their favor.
The Heat’s final game against the Nets could be the one that sends either team to the playoffs. It could also be the last NBA game of Dwyane Wade. The legendary player is retiring after the season ends, and it would be a shame if he leaves without a last playoff run.
