All groups have performed at the least 70 video games at this level, so it’s time to get critical about making our guesses for the NBA Japanese Convention Playoff Image in 2023.
Solely two groups within the East are out of rivalry for a playoff or play-in spot, which implies that 13 groups are nonetheless duking it out this season.
NBA Japanese Convention Playoff Image in 2023
Let’s take a look at the present positioning of the East groups within the standings and make predictions for the NBA Japanese Convention Playoff Image in 2023.
Eradicated groups
Detroit Pistons (16 wins, 56 losses)
No surprises on this one, because the Pistons had been anticipated to be a lottery workforce this season. A season-ending shin harm pressured lead star Cade Cunningham to solely play 12 video games, and the Pistons simply don’t have the arsenal to make a distinction on each ends of the ground.
They’re now hoping that their luck doesn’t run out of their pursuit of Victor Wembanyama within the 2023 NBA Draft.
Charlotte Hornets (22 wins, 50 losses)
The Hornets suffered the identical destiny as that of the Pistons: they misplaced their star guard LaMelo Ball to a protracted harm layoff, they usually didn’t have the roster depth to rack up the wins.
The emergence of rookie large man Mark Williams within the latter a part of the season was a vibrant spot, however this roster nonetheless has plenty of holes transferring ahead.
Exterior trying in
Orlando Magic (29 wins, 43 losses)
The Magic gained solely two of their final eight video games, and their upcoming schedule shouldn’t be simple both.
They’ll face the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Brooklyn Nets twice and can have robust matchups towards the New York Knicks and the Miami Warmth.
Indiana Pacers (32 wins, 39 losses)
The Pacers’ abysmal report spanning January and February is biting them arduous, particularly now that they’re lacking the companies of All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton.
However it is going to be a troublesome upcoming schedule for Indy, with matchups towards the Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, and Milwaukee Bucks.
Washington Wizards (32 wins, 39 losses)
Many had the Wizards on the backside of their predictions for NBA Playoff standings, however this workforce is making the most of their good run to begin their 2023 schedule.
The Wizards have misplaced seven of their final 9 video games, although.
Present Play-In groups
Chicago Bulls (33 wins, 37 losses)
The Bulls have injected life into their playoff hopes by successful 4 of their final 5 video games.
An upcoming two-game mini-series towards the Philadelphia 76ers might make or break their season.
Toronto Raptors (35 wins, 37 losses)
After a three-game dropping skid, the Raptors bounced again by successful their final three video games.
Will probably be a tough race for the Raptors although, as they’ll have two video games every towards elite groups just like the Bucks and the Celtics.
Atlanta Hawks (35 wins, 36 losses)
Their latest win towards the Golden State Warriors snapped a two-game dropping skid, however the Hawks must care for upcoming assignments towards the Pistons and the San Antonio Spurs to keep up their spot within the play-in event.
Miami Warmth (39 wins, 34 losses)
The Warmth is the one at present positioned play-in workforce with a report above .500.
They nonetheless have a shot at an outright playoff berth, particularly with the Brooklyn Nets slipping as of late.
Present Playoff groups
Brooklyn Nets (39 wins, 32 losses)
The Nets just lately misplaced to the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder and the Sacramento Kings, and an upcoming matchup towards the Denver Nuggets might be a troublesome one.
They’re nonetheless clinging to the final outright playoff spot within the East, however issues might change within the subsequent a number of days.
New York Knicks (42 wins, 30 losses)
The Knicks’ nine-game successful streak spanning February and March could be sufficient cushion for them to keep away from the play-in.
Jalen Brunson simply got here again from an harm layoff, so issues are trying up in New York.
Cleveland Cavaliers (45 wins, 28 losses)
The Cavaliers will probably stay within the fourth spot, however they nonetheless have a shot on the prime three, particularly with their comparatively simple schedule.
Boston Celtics (49 wins, 23 losses)
The Celtics are slipping on the incorrect time. With 10 video games left on their schedule, they should get their act collectively in the event that they need to maintain on to the third spot within the standings.
Philadelphia 76ers (48 wins, 22 losses)
The Sixers are the most well liked workforce within the NBA proper now, as they’re at present using an eight-game successful streak.
Their schedule gained’t be simple, although: they’ll face groups at present battling for play-in and playoff spots.
Milwaukee Bucks (50 wins, 20 losses)
Through the begin, significantly when accidents hounded Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton, the Bucks weren’t on the prime spot of most individuals’s Japanese Convention postseason permutations.
However right here they’re, they usually’ll probably maintain on to the top seed in the East.
Predictions for NBA Japanese Convention Playoff image in 2023
- (1) Bucks versus (8) Raptors
- (4) Cavaliers versus (5) Knicks
- (3) Celtics versus (6) Warmth
- (2) 76ers versus (7) Hawks
How does the Play-In work?
NBA groups who end from 7 to 10 within the standings will battle within the Play-In Tournament. The seventh and eighth seeds will face off for an outright playoff spot, with the loser relegated to a knockout recreation towards the ninth and tenth seed matchup winner.
The winner of that recreation will then safe the eighth and final playoff spot within the convention.
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