Eastern Conference Playoff Teams: Where do Raptors finish?
By Brian Boake
Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks at the conclusion of the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Now that I’ve offered my early-bird look at the Atlantic, Central and Southeast Divisions, it’s time to jump off the fence. Of the fifteen teams in the Eastern Conference, which eight are playoff-bound? I’m not going to worry at this early stage about the latest tie-break rules and such.
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There are a number of teams which I believe have no chance at post-season play. The New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, and Philadelphia 76ers won’t win 100 games among them. Even the chronic weakness of the Eastern teams (last season the OKC Thunder won 45 games and watched the post-season on TV, while the Nets slipped in with 38 victories) won’t be enough for those squads. Detroit and Orlando should be improved, but not playoff contenders.
Conversely, the Cavaliers, Bulls, Wizards, and Raptors should be printing playoff tickets now.
Teams on the bubble include Charlotte, Boston, Miami, Milwaukee and Indiana.
As usual, we’ll propose the order of finish from worst to best.
Next: 8. Slipping in, then getting pounded out?