The drama will be minimal in the Eastern Conference. The Washington Wizards are eliminated but they can act as a disruptor in their final games. The only “drama” left to be decided in the East is going to be between Orlando and Brooklyn in terms of seeding. Let’s take a look…
7. Brooklyn Nets (3-2 in the bubble):
- Remaining Games: LA Clippers, Orlando and Portland
- Currently: The Nets have been the team hit hardest by the pandemic and injury. Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant are out rehabbing their injuries; Deandre Jordan and Wilson Chandler opted out amid COVID concerns and Spencer Dinwiddie and Taurean Prince tested positive before the bubble games began. That’s six of Brooklyn’s best players. Despite the roster concerns, the Nets managed to beat the Bucks and also took care of business against Washington and Sacramento. Aside from a blowout loss to the Celtics, the Nets have played reasonably well.
- Looking Forward: The goal for Brooklyn is avoiding Milwaukee. Toronto is not an enviable first round opponent but the Bucks are a juggernaut (regardless of what happened a couple days ago). I expect Brooklyn to hold that 7th spot and see Toronto in the first round of the playoffs.
8. Orlando Magic (2-3 in the bubble):
- Remaining Games: Boston, Brooklyn and New Orleans
- Currently: The Magic started off in the bubble with 2 wins but are now in the middle of a 4 game stretch against top tier Eastern Conference playoff teams. Orlando is an easy to team to like but not one that inspires much confidence. Losing Jonathan Isaac was a bummer but Nikola Vucevic continues to be one of the most underrated players in the league averaging a steady 20 and 9 throughout their bubble games.
- Looking Forward: The only goal for this Magic team is to get out of the 8th seed. They have a chance to do it but it’s a long shot. They’ve already beat Brooklyn once in this restart and they get them again in a couple of days. However, getting through Philly, Boston and New Orleans will be tough and I expect Orlando to stick in that 8th spot and draw Milwaukee in the first round.
9. Washington Wizards (0-5 in the bubble):
- Remaining Games: OKC, Milwaukee and Boston
- Currently: The Wizards are officially eliminated from the postseason. 8.5 games back with 3 more to play and you’ve got to feel bad for these guys. No Bradley Beal, no John Wall and no Davis Bertans made their time in the bubble a constant struggle.
- Looking Forward: A healthy Bradley Beal and John Wall are what Wizards fans should be looking forward to. Rui Hachimura had a couple nice games but aside from that, a forgettable experience all around for the Wizards and their fan base.
Now, let’s get to the Wild Wild West…
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In the West, I’m hoping the Blazers pull out that 8 seed. Lakers vs Blazers would be a fun series to watch, more so than watching the struggling Grizzlies get man handled by LeBron n Co. I want what everyone wants in the West…Lakers vs Clippers in the Western Conference Finals!
The East’s final 2 spots don’t matter either – Eastern Conference Semis are going to be legit – Bucks vs Pacers (my prediction) and Celtics vs Raptors (a “guaranteed“ series after yesterday’s matchup!)
NBA playoffs are almost back, let’s go!
I’m hoping we get Blazers/Lakers first round as well Mr. Bird. Despite their loss today, Blazers are still on track.
Ooooo pickin’ Indiana over Miami huh? I can’t hate on that. TJ Warren is playing out of his mind!
As it stands now, Heat v Pacers will be a good series – but I gotta go with the Pacers. No home court advantage for either team and the Pacers have been playing well in the bubble!
Lakers baby !!!!
I agree on the King’s. They are definitely “lacking” any real talent, and certainly their offense is just as atrocious as their defense. The King’s of 2002 would be ashamed.
On that note….let’s not forget that on May 26, 2002 Robert Horry stepped into a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to give the Lakers a one-point victory over the Sacramento Kings in game four of the Western Conference Finals, instantly becoming one of the most iconic scenes in the team’s illustrious history.
I’m curious why that important detail was left out of this otherwise greatly written blog post.