The struggling Philadelphia 76ers currently have a record of 39-35. They have lost 3 straight and 7 of their last 10. With just 2 weeks (8 games) remaining in the regular season for the Sixers, the ever-changing Eastern Conference Standings are something to keep an eye on. Let’s look at the solidified playoff teams this year and those that remain in the hunt.
Tier 1
- Boston Celtics (58-16)
Boston has been incredibly dominant all season long. They are 58-16 thus far and have already clinched the #1 seed in the East. They post a 32-3 record at home at TD Garden. Boston will be the heavy favorite to represent the East in the NBA Finals come playoff time.
Tier 2
2. Milwaukee Bucks (46-27)
3. Cleveland Cavaliers (45-29)
4. New York Knicks (44-29)
All 3 of these tier 2 teams look to make some noise come playoff time. Jalen Brunson is averaging nearly 28 points per game and is fresh off a 61-point performance against the San Antonio Spurs. The Knicks currently sit just a 0.5 game back of the 3rd seeded, Cleveland Cavaliers. All 3 of these teams will not only avoid the Eastern Conference play-in tournament but are well on their way to home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
Tier 3
5. Orlando Magic (42-31)
6. Indiana Pacers (42-33)
7. Miami Heat (40-33)
8. Philadelphia 76ers (39-35)
2 of these 4 teams will find themselves in the play-in tournament. Frankly, as the end of the NBA regular season draws nearer, it appears increasingly likely that the Sixers will be one of those competing in the play-in. The Sixers find themselves 2.5 games back of the Indiana Pacers for the all-important 6 seed. Not only does the sixth-seeded team avoid the play-in, but they avoid the Boston Celtics. Not only do they avoid the Boston Celtics in the first round, but a potential second round as well. If the playoffs were to start today, Philadelphia would travel to Miami to play the Heat, the winner earning the 7-seed in the playoffs while the loser gets a home game against the winner of the 9-10 matchup, for the 8-seed in the playoffs.
Given the dominance of the Boston Celtics, a potential game for the 7-seed is all the more important. While at this rate the Sixers might just be hopeful to make the playoffs, you really do not want to play the Celtics in round 1.
While the Sixers still have a shot at avoiding the play-in, they must do all they can to string some wins together, and at the very least claim the 7-seed when the regular season ends. A “win and you’re in” scenario at home is a whole lot better than a win-and-in game in Miami.
Tier 4
9. Chicago Bulls (35-39)
10. Atlanta Hawks (34-39)
The play-in tournament’s 9-10 matchup is just about set. The only question is, which team will be 9th and have home-court advantage. The Atlanta Hawks are winners of 4 straight, including 2 wins over the Boston Celtics.