NBA Playoffs: Updating The Eastern Conference’s Stretch Run

Mar 11, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) drives to the basket as Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) defends during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

7th: Miami Heat

8th: Brooklyn Nets

Miami and Brooklyn appear to be the most likely to capture the 7th and 8th seeds, respectively. The health of Dwyane Wade is going to indicate whether Miami can surpass Milwaukee for the sixth seed, or conversely, fall out of the playoffs altogether.

The key in Brooklyn is Brook Lopez, who has been playing out of his mind recently. Joe Johnson and Deron Williams are no longer the consistent all-stars that they once were, and therefore Lopez needs to continue to carry this team on his back, if he has any hopes of making the playoffs.

The dark horse in this race is Indiana. If Paul George gets healthy before the end of the regular season then the Pacers are arguably the most talented team among the bottom half of the Eastern Conference.

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