The Bulls still aren’t fully out of the postseason race, which speaks to how bad the bottom of the Eastern Conference is. Chicago is a mess, full stop. Jim Boylen is a coach on the ropes, Zach LaVine is a critically flawed star, and the young pieces haven’t meshed. At least, not yet.
The Hornets have cooled down after a strong start to the campaign. Regression to the mean, if you will. Devonte’ Graham has cooled in the process, but he’s still an exciting talent. As for the Terry Rozier contract, it’s as bad as everyone projected. He’s a weakness more often than a strength.
Bradley Beal has dropped 50+ in two consecutive games. Washington lost both times. Many expected the Wizards to spend the season in purgatory in anticipation of John Wall‘s long-awaited return next season. To an extent, that’s how it has played out. And yet, the Wizards, who are thoroughly bad, sit a mere 4.5 games out of the eighth seed.
In the end, Orlando has enough roster stability to hold their spot. But the Wizards are, somehow, the ninth seed and not entirely out of the playoff picture. They could have a chance to get swept in the first round by Milwaukee.