NBA: Way-too-early bold pre-season playoff predictions for the 2023-24 season

Eastern Conference Play-In teams

7. Toronto Raptors 

8. Brooklyn Nets 

9. Atlanta Hawks 

10. Indiana Pacers 

The Eastern Conference landscape may not be as deep as the West is, but there is going to be some stiff competition to see which teams emerge as the top 10 to qualify for the postseason. Predicting the four Play-In Tournament teams in the East was a bit difficult but I think there are some very fair arguments for each of these selections.

The Toronto Raptors could finish in the top 7 but I believe this is a team that could end up making a trade or two during the season, forcing them to fall a couple of spots. I think penciling them as the 7th seed is a safe bet.

The Brooklyn Nets are going to struggle a bit more than many believe. Mikal Bridges is a good player but I don’t think he’s in a position to be a consistent No. 1 option. I think the real storyline to monitor for the Nets revolves around Ben Simmons.

I also think it’s pretty safe to assume that the Atlanta Hawks will factor into the playoff race in the East. The Indiana Pacers is the one team that I believe will take a step forward in the East. I think this is finally the year where they begin to show signs of improvement.