The Eastern Conference Playoffs Are Set
The Eastern Conference playoffs are set with one more game remaining. The final game of the regular season takes place on Sunday. Every team in the league will play their final on Sunday. The Western Conference still has a lot of teams playing for positioning. Oklahoma City, Houston, and the Los Angeles Lakers will be the top 3 seeds. Denver, the Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State, and Minnesota are fighting for spots 4 through 7. The 7th seed will be playing in the play-in game to make the playoffs. The 4th seed would have homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Anthony Edwards is suspended for their finale against Utah after receiving his 18th technical foul. Below are the playoff matchups and play-in games for the eastern Conference.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers will be the top seed in the Eastern Conference this season. They will face the 8th seed in the playoffs. Orlando will host the Atlanta Hawks in the 7 versus 8 matchup. The winner of that game will be the 7th seed. The loser will play the winner of the Chicago and Miami game. The winner of that game will be the 8th seed and play Cleveland in the first round of the playoffs.
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics will be the 2nd seed in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics defeated the Mavs in the NBA Finals to win their 18th championship. It’s simple for the Celtics, they will play the winner of the Orlando and Atlanta play-in game. Can the Celtics repeat as NBA champions? Jaylen Brown has been dealing with lingering right knee pain. It was reported that he received a pain killing shot, but will be ready for the playoffs.
New York Knicks vs. Detroit Pistons
The 3 versus 6 series in the Eastern Conference will have the New York Knicks hosting the Detroit Pistons. The Knicks were one of my top 5 Eastern Conference teams after the All-Star Break. The Knicks are positioned to challenge for the Eastern Conference crown. Detroit is a team on the come up and Cade Cunningham is one of the best players in the league. The Pistons were one of the worse teams a season ago. They will continue to get better and this series against the Knicks should be a good one.
Indiana Pacers vs. Milwaukee Bucks
The 4 versus 5 series in the Eastern Conference will see the Indiana Pacers taking on the Milwaukee Bucks. Indiana made a surprise run to the Eastern Conference Finals a year ago. Haliburton will be the key to the success of the Pacers. When he’s on his game, this team is as good as any other team in the league. Despite all their issues all season, the Bucks finished as the 5th seed in the East. Giannis is on a crazy run these last few games. The health and possible return of Damian Lillard will determine the success of the Bucks. Lillard has been out since his blood clot discovery and his playoff return is the talk of the team.
Orlando Magic vs. Atlanta Hawks
The Orlando Magic will host the Atlanta Hawks. The winner of this game will meet the Celtics in the first round of the playoffs. The loser will play the winner of the Miami and Chicago game for the 8th seed. Orlando beat the Hawks in two of their three games played this season.
Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat
The Chicago Bulls will host the Miami Heat in the 9 versus 10 game. The Bulls enter their final game winning five of their last six games. One of those wins came against this Miami team. Chicago is trending in the right direction at the right time. Miami has dealt with a lot of drama and injuries this season. The saga with Jimmy Butler basically ruined their season. They were 0-3 against the Bulls this season. Can they win their first game against Chicago and advance for a shot at the 8th seed?
Eastern Conference Playoffs
1. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Play-In Team
2. Boston Celtics vs. Winner of Magic/Hawks Game
3. New York Knicks vs. 6. Detroit Pistons
4. Indiana Pacers vs. 5. Milwaukee Bucks
