Crawl to the Playoffs

In the Eastern Conference, there are currently ten teams vying for four playoff spots. Only eight and a half games separate fifth-place Miami from 14th-place Toronto. The disappointing Pistons find themselves in the middle of the fight, which is odd considering how little fight the team has shown in recent games. Here is a breakdown of the ten teams and my assessment of their playoff chances.

Miami Heat (29-26): Despite a negative point margin on the season, the Heat have the fifth-best record in the East. While Jermaine O’Neal is no longer capable of providing the boost many are expecting in Miami, the Heat should have little trouble securing a playoff berth. Between their cushion on the field and lack of threatening challenger, the Heat stand a strong chance to be the worst fifth seed in the history of the current playoff format.
Postseason Chances: 90%

Detroit Pistons (27-27): The Pistons are slumping and the new additions are deservedly taking the blame for failing to provide leadership. The upcoming schedule won’t do the Pistons any favors, but the team should be able to eke out a playoff berth. In an interesting twist, all eight of the games the Pistons will play in April will be against teams on this list.
Postseason Chances: 60%

Philadelphia 76ers (27-28): After initially running circles around opponents without Elton Brand, the Sixers have come back to Earth with four straight losses. They play a road heavy schedule the rest of the way, but should manage to earn the right to be swept by an Eastern Conference powerhouse.
Postseason Chances: 70%

Milwaukee Bucks (28-31): The Bucks have been hammered by injuries, but their talented young players have allowed them to remain competitive. Aside from the Bobcats, the Bucks give the most consistent effort of any team on this list. The Bucks will benefit from a soft schedule the final five weeks of the season.
Postseason Chances: 50%

Chicago Bulls (25-31): The Bulls upgraded their roster at the trade deadline. Unfortunately, Vinny Del Negro is still running the show. The Bulls are another team with a friendly schedule from here out.
Postseason Chances: 50%

New Jersey Nets (25-32): The Nets have the third worst point differential in the conference. They also have the worst forwards in the league. Devin Harris will have to be spectacular for the Nets to have a chance.
Postseason Chances: 15%

New York Knicks (24-32): Mike D’Antoni cemented his reputation as a great coach just by keeping this team in the playoff discussion. Any time Larry Hughes is expected to provide a boost, there are serious roster problems at hand. Chris Duhon, Hughes, Quentin Richardson, Wilson Chandler, and Jared Jefferies are all capable of being the eighth best player on a good team. The problem in New York is that instead of having seven superior players, they have three (Lee, Robinson, and Harrington).
Postseason Chances: 20%

Indiana Pacers (24-35): I thought this was a playoff team before the season started. It might have been if the injury bug not stung two thirds of the rotation. When healthy, this team might be the fifth best team in the East.
Postseason Chances: 15%

Charlotte Bobcats (22-34): Larry Brown has done a terrific job with this cast of overpaid role players. The lack of a go-to scorer will keep them out of the playoffs despite stout defense.
Postseason Chances: 20%

Toronto Raptors(22-36): Shawn Marion will provide a big boost in Toronto, but it will be too little too late. This team dug itself a huge hole that it will be unable to dig itself out of.
Postseason Chances: 10%

In the end, just 37 or 38 wins will be enough to secure a playoff berth. Unless Detroit or Philly gets hot, it’s likely that three teams will make the Eastern Conference playoffs with a record below .500.