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NBA Pretenders or Contenders: The Lakers, Nets are for real; Are the 76ers?

By Michael Saenz

NBA Brooklyn Nets Kevin Durant James Harden (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)
NBA Brooklyn Nets Kevin Durant James Harden (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports) /
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Miami Heat
Miami Heat Bam Adebayo (Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports) /

NBA Pretenders or Contenders: The East lottery teams

  • Detroit Pistons 
  • Washington Wizards
  • Chicago Bulls 

Each of these three teams has at least some talent on its roster, but for a myriad of reasons aren’t legit contenders to make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. Could they sneak into a play-in tournament? Sure, but I’d be extremely surprised with how these teams have started the season.

The playoff fringe candidates

  • Orlando Magic
  • New York Knicks
  • Cleveland Cavaliers 
  • Miami Heat
  • Toronto Raptors
  • Charlotte Hornets 

Each of these teams has exceeded or fallen short of expectations through the first quarter of the season. These are the teams that will be fighting for the final one or two spots in the playoffs. Most of them will fall into the lottery, but it wouldn’t be a shocker by any means for any of these teams to make the playoffs. None of these teams are championship contenders, however.

The playoff locks

  • Indiana Pacers 
  • Atlanta Hawks 

The Pacers and Hawks are widely expected to be playoff teams this season and would be a surprise if they didn’t follow through. These two teams have the talent to compete with the top of the Eastern Conference, but not necessarily the depth and star power to win multiple playoff series. While these teams aren’t championship contenders, they could be dangerous and a tough out come playoff time.