Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE by means of Getty Images
The Eastern and Western Conference play-in photos didn't get a lot more clearness after the conclusion of Tuesday's video games.
Groups from 4th through 8th locations in the Eastern Conference are separated by simply 2 video games, and the very best group of that lot remains in seventh (the scorching-hot Philadelphia 76ers, led by the returning Joel Embiid).
In the West, the sixth-place New Orleans Pelicans now have a video game in hand on the seventh-place Phoenix Suns, however it's truly anybody's guess how No. 6 through No. 10 cleans with all included groups withstanding harsh schedules down the stretch.
Here's a take a look at the existing standings and forecasts on what might be ahead, with a peak at upcoming schedules.
Eastern Conference
1. Boston (62-17)
2. Milwaukee (48-31)
5. Cleveland (46-33)
6. Indiana (46-34)
7. Philadelphia (45-35)
8. Miami (44-35)
9. Chicago (37-42)
10. Atlanta (36-43)
The magic number to clinch a top-six seed is 48, with 47 a possibility if tiebreakers fall your method. Who is arriving?
The New York Knicks require to win simply among their last 3 (at Boston, home vs. Brooklyn, home vs. Chicago). They need to take a minimum of among the last 2 at worst.
The Orlando Magic close with a hard trio (home and away vs. Milwaukee, at scorching-hot Philadelphia). It's uncertain if Bucks super star Giannis Antetokounmpo will play in either video game due to a left calf pressure. The guess is Orlando wins at one and is up to Philly.
Cleveland is reeling after losing 4 of its last 5, however the group closes with 3 home video games, 2 of which protest the lowly Charlotte Hornets and Memphis Grizzlies. 2 wins is the choice.
Indiana ought to more than likely function in the house versus Atlanta. A roadway match at Cleveland is harder, however the Pacers ought to get to 47 wins minimum.
Philadelphia is on fire and will be preferred to function to close the season in the house vs. Orlando and Brooklyn.
Miami likewise closes in the house and gets 2 versus the 25-win Toronto Raptors, although the playoff-bound Dallas Mavericks are paying a go to. In this thinking video game, the Heat win 2 of 3 to liquidate, end with 46 wins and complete 8th.
Where does that leave us?
The guess here is that the Knicks and Cavs will complete the leading 4, with the Pacers, 76ers and Magic all ending up with 47 wins. The tiebreaker is head-to-head-to-head, which would leave the Magic out in the cold at No. 7 need to they lose to Philadelphia.
Play-In Prediction: 7.
