The Eastern Conference has recently turned into a war-zone between the lower seeded teams. All of the which are competing for a good playoff ranking and right now, only the first and second seed seem like lock. There are around 14 games left this season and every single one will count for these teams battling.
With all this competition, the 2014 NBA playoffs are getting ready to be one for the ages. The Eastern Conference, which has been ridiculed for being a “joke”, has really turned things around since after the All-Star break. Teams are looking ready for the postseason and there are a few sleepers that have a chance at taking down the Miami Heat.
Here is a look at what the top eight Eastern Conference teams will look like come postseason:
Courtesy: ESPN
1) Indiana Pacers
Record: 60-22
The Pacers have been hanging out around the first seed all season. Indiana is the most likely candidate to be the top team during this year’s playoffs, as they have been firing on all cylinders. Indiana is the best defensive team in the league, hands down. This season, the Pacers have been led by Roy Hibbert, a strong candidate for Defensive Player of the Year. He is averaging 2.6 blocks per game, which leads the league. Indiana’s defense has keep them winning throughout the season and I would not be surprised to see their defense carry the Pacers to the NBA Finals. Currently, the Pacers are the Miami Heat’s biggest threat.
Courtesy: Bleacher Report
2) Miami Heat
Record: 56-26
The Miami Heat are a lock for the second seed. As the season is winding down, it looks less likely that the team will pass the Pacers in the Eastern Conference rankings. LeBron James and company are chasing a three-peat and though the team has shown struggles this season, Miami still has a good chance of winning another title. Right now, getting through the Eastern Conference Finals alive will be the Heat’s biggest test.
Courtesy: USA Today
3) Toronto Raptors
Record: 46-36
The Toronto Raptors have shocked everyone this season. No one expected the them to be as good, as consistent and as dominating as the team has been. Toronto played great as a cohesive unit but their leader this season has been Demar DeRozan. He is currently averaging 22.9 points, 3.9 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game. His development has been great; with just four years of experience he has grown into a true leader. The Raptors have him signed to the 2016-17 season, which means we will be seeing Toronto compete in the playoffs for the next few years. The teams just needs to improve who is surrounding their star.
Courtesy: CBS Local New York
4) Brooklyn Nets
Record: 45-37
The Brooklyn Nets are red hot. Paul Pierce has developed into a truly amazing role player for Brooklyn. The team is playing great since the All-Star break and they look ready to cause a lot of playoff noise. What has been a pleasant surprise is Brooklyn’s recent production from their centers, Andre Blatche and Mason Plumlee. Brooklyn’s season looked over when the team lost their starting center, Brook Lopez, for the rest of the season with a broken foot. Plumlee and Blatche’s performance are key contributors to Brooklyn’s recent success. Right now, the Nets look ready and able to make a strong playoff push towards the Finals.
Courtesy: Bleacher Report
5) Chicago Bulls
Record: 43-49
The Chicago Bulls are really missing Derrick Rose. Without, the team has been led by Joakim Noah. He is having the best season of his career. He currently averages 12.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.5 blocks per game. Chicago is a really tough team and the Bulls have a strong offense but to be realistic, this team is not going far this postseason. At best, the Bulls get out of the first round.
Courtesy: Bleacher Report
6) Washington Wizards
Record 42-40
It looks like John Wall will be delivering on his promise to Washington fans. The Washington Wizards will be making the playoffs for the first time since the 2007-08 season. It has been a slow rebuilding phase but the Wizards have been moving in the right direction all season long. The Wizards added Drew Gooden to their roster, when Nene went out with an injury. Gooden has rose to the occasion and become one of Washington’s most valuable assets in rotation. He is currently averaging 10.2 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. Washington shows potential to win a first round matchup.
Courtesy: USA Today
7) Charlotte Bobcats
Record: 40-42
The Charlotte Bobcats have caught teams off guard this season and no one expected them to be playoff bound. Regardless, the Bobcats have been finding ways to get wins. Charlotte is winning because the team is playing better defense. The Bobcats are also shooting the ball a lot better. Al Jefferson has been a huge addition to Charlotte. He is averaging 21.3 points and 10.4 rebounds. Without him, the Bobcats would need be close to making the playoffs. Charlotte will most likely face an early exit, but the franchise is moving in the right direction.
Courtesy: CBS Local Detroit
8) New York Knicks
Record: 38-44
The New York Knicks have a legit chance of sneaking into the playoffs. New York has been surrounded by storylines all year, with Melo becoming a free agent and the Knicks hiring Phil Jackson as president, no one knows what their future holds. However you want to look at New York’s future, it is relying heavily on how this season ends. Making the playoffs will help the team convince Carmelo Anthony to stay. The Knicks have won their last eight games. Meta World Peace told the media that if New York gets into the playoffs, the team will win it all. Metta has said a lot of crazy things, so who knows what will happen. The end of the 2013-14 season is going to be intense, that much you can count on.
