NBA: 2022-23 Eastern Conference pre-season playoff projections

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New York Knicks RJ Barrett (Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports) /

East Play-In Teams

8. New York Knicks

7. Cleveland Cavaliers

With the No. 7 and 8 teams in the Eastern Conference, I have two teams that improved during the offseason that perhaps are expected to be ranked higher but because of how deep the competition is they will barely qualify to sneak into the Play-In Tournament.

The New York Knicks should be improved with the addition of Jalen Brunson and the continued development of RJ Barrett. How much they will improve remains to be seen.

The same could be said about the Cleveland Cavaliers who added Donovan Mitchell to an already talented young roster. If Darius Garland and Evan Mobley continue to improve, the Cavs could finish higher than 7th but the East is that deep.

The Knicks and Cavs should clinch spots in the postseason in the East, despite having to prove it in the Eastern Conference.