NBA: Predicting The 2016-17 Eastern Conference Playoff Field

Feb 1, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) guards Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Cavaliers won 111-106 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) guards Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Cavaliers won 111-106 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 24, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) and forward Carmelo Anthony (7) laugh on the court during second half time out against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks won 106-94. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) and forward Carmelo Anthony (7) laugh on the court during second half time out against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks won 106-94. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

6. New York Knicks

Projected Starting Lineup: Derrick Rose, Courtney Lee, Carmelo Anthony, Kristaps Porzingis, Joakim Noah

This is one of those teams that you could see finishing in the top 4 or missing the playoffs altogether. If the Knicks can remain healthy for the majority, if not all, the season, expect this team to find its way back to the playoffs. They have too much talent not to.

However, if that injury bug hits this team hard enough, this could be a disaster of a season for Phil Jackson and company. Drinking the positivity-ade, I believe that this team will make it back to the playoffs. Interestingly, the Knicks are probably better suited for the postseason.

Who would want to face Rose and Melo in a 7-game series? Even though we don’t know how all these different talents will mesh together, New York should be able to make a run to the playoffs this season.

Next: No. 5