NBA: Satisfying Chaos At Bottom Of Eastern Conference Playoff Picture
By Eli Lederman
Jan 23, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) is pressured by Indiana Pacers guard
George Hill(3) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Heat won 89-87. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
The Verdict
So where does this really leave us? Honestly, I’m not sure.
In all likelihood, these teams are fighting for the opportunity to get themselves pummeled by the Hawks and the Cavs. But, although this may ultimately be a futile race, the battle for the final few playoff spots in the East may provide us with some much-needed entertainment toward the end of the season.
Assuming that most of the Western Conference teams, and the top teams in the East, are already locked into playoff slots by April 1st, give or take a seed or two, we could be in for a bland blur of resting stars and blowouts in the final few weeks.
But this race for the final few spots in the East could provide us with some vital entertainment down the stretch. These teams are too unreliable and erratic to really predict, but I’d probably say the Pacers will grab the 7th seed, and the Celtics and Heat will battle for the final spot, with the Heat pulling it out purely based on having an easier schedule.
Either way, I’m glad that the bottom teams of the Eastern Conference are finally doing more than just taking up space, and are actually making things interesting down the stretch.