NBA News: Essential Information on the Eastern Conference Playoff and Play-in Race for the Final Two Weeks of the Season

With only two weeks left in the season, the race for the NBA Eastern Conference playoff seedings is heating up. While the Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Boston Celtics have already secured their positions, there are still spots up for grabs. The Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks have claimed their playoff positions, but the No. 6 seed – the final qualification spot – is still there for the taking. Those between seventh to tenth will compete for a play-in tournament for the final two places in the post-season. If two teams finish with the same record, their position will be determined by a tiebreaker, the first of which is the head-to-head record between the sides.

Let’s take a look at the top contenders for the coveted playoff spots:

Brooklyn Nets

The Brooklyn Nets currently hold the 6th position with a season win/loss record of 41-35. Mikal Bridges has been leading the team with an impressive average of 28 points per game. However, the rest of his team-mates need to step up their game to solidify their playoff position. Their 129-100 victory over the Miami Heat was a boon for the team, and they now have the tiebreaker in their hands with the easiest remaining schedule in the NBA. They face the Atlanta Hawks next, followed by games against the Utah Jazz, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, and Philadelphia 76ers.

Miami Heat

In 7th place, the Miami Heat have had a rocky season, and it’s finally catching up with them. They have been wildly inconsistent, and their preferred starting five is essential for their success. The absence of Jimmy Butler in Tuesday’s defeat to the Toronto Raptors exemplified their vulnerability. For the team to have a shot at the play-ins, they need a capable secondary unit. They face the Dallas Mavericks and the Detroit Pistons this week.

Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks have a season win/loss record of 38-38, a testament to their consistency, even through changes in coaching and trades. They need to win big against the Nets, Mavericks, and Chicago Bulls this week to cement their position and put some distance between themselves and the Raptors in eighth place.

Toronto Raptors

A convincing win against shorthanded Miami on Tuesday allowed the Raptors to match the Hawks’ win/loss record and continue to challenge for eighth place in the standings. They have the next five games on the road, starting with the 76ers, followed by the Hornets, and then three big games against the Celtics and the Bucks.

Chicago Bulls

The Bulls are in the 10th position with a season win/loss record of 36-40. They have built a 2.5-game cushion and will likely maintain it. However, they need to go one step further if they want to make the playoffs. They trail Atlanta in eighth place by one game and have the return of Alex Caruso to help fortify their defense. They play the Hornets, Memphis Grizzlies, and Hawks this week.

Washington Wizards

The Wizards have shut down Bradley Beal and Kyle Kuzma for the rest of the season, which makes their playoff hopes seem insurmountable. They are behind the Bulls by 2.5 games and have a tough remaining schedule. The focus should now be on the trade lottery and what next season might look like for the franchise.

In conclusion, the next two weeks will be an exciting watch for NBA fans as teams battle it out for playoff spots. Keep an eye out for the tiebreakers as it might be the deciding factor in which team makes it to the postseason.



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