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NBA Eastern Conference playoff race: Philadelphia 76ers suffer a huge loss

Michael Saenz|
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 03: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards reacts after shooting a three-pointer against the New York Knicks during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 3, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 03: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards reacts after shooting a three-pointer against the New York Knicks during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 3, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

In this week’s NBA Eastern Conference playoff race update, the Philadelphia 76ers will be without Joel Embiid for the foreseeable future

The NBA’s Eastern Conference playoff picture is a bit clearer than the Western Conference, but there’s still much to be sorted out.

The Toronto Raptors will likely clinch the top seed in the East in the coming days, and the Boston Celtics have the third seed on lock. However, much like the West, seeds 3-8 are still up for grabs.

We know what the playoff field will look like, but there’s still seeding at stake over the final two weeks of the regular season.

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Here’s a quick look at what the playoff picture looks at the moment:

3. Cleveland Cavaliers (45-30) 

4. Philadelphia 76ers (44-30) 

5. Indiana Pacers (45-31)

6. Washington Wizards (41-34) 

7. Miami Heat (41-35)

8. Milwaukee Bucks (40-35) 

A few things that should be as of note when it comes to the remaining schedules for these playoff teams:

  • The Philadelphia 76ers has the easiest remaining schedule in the NBA.
  • The Miami Heat has the third easiest schedule.
  • Indiana has the fourth most difficult schedule.

Another thing that should be taken into account is the fact that Joel Embiid is out indefinitely, and could likely miss the first round of the NBA Playoffs.

The final two weeks of the NBA’s regular season will be huge for many of these teams fighting for the right position in the playoff picture. For example, which team will draw the Boston Celtics, who have their own injury issues (with the recent loss of Kyrie Irving).

Must Read: NBA Western Conference playoff race: LA Clippers, Denver Nuggets still alive

John Wall is also expected to return to action soon, which should help the Washington Wizards in their push for the playoffs. Especially in the Eastern Conference, matchups are going to be huge in the playoffs.

Some of the lower seeds in the Eastern Conference are teams that many of the top seeds don’t want to see in the first round.