2015 NBA Playoffs Chase: Nets, Celtics, Pacers, Heat, Hornets Battling For Last 2 Spots In The East
It’s the stretch run of the regular season in the NBA and as many as five teams are battling for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. With 5-6 games left in their respective schedules, it’s the Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics which hold the pole position but teams like the Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets all have a legit shot of stealing their place in the postseason.
After Sunday’s games, here’s how the teams stack up in the updated and latest East standings; the Nets (35-41) are ahead of everyone but not by much. The veteran-laden team led by Joe Johnson and Brook Lopez is ahead by half a game by current eighth-placer Celtics (35-42) featuring a young crew led by guards Avery Bradley, Marcus Smart and Isaiah Thomas. While both have the inside track in this postseason race, their lead are not safe as the Pacers (34-43)— featuring a come-backing Paul George and the Heat (34-43) with the still-dangerous Dwyane Wade are just one game back from being part of the playoff picture. Even the Hornets (33-43) with Al Jefferson and Kemba Walker still have a legit shot being just one and a half games back.
Remaining Schedule For 5 Teams Battling For East Playoff Spots
Brooklyn Nets (5 home games, 1 road game): vs. Portland, vs. Atlanta, vs. Washington, at Milwaukee, vs. Chicago, vs. Orlando
The Nets had a six-game winning streak before losing to East-leaders Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. Among the five remaining contenders, they have the most home games with five in their last six. Except for their final game against Orlando, all of their opponents are playoff-bound however. Key games will be against the Trail Blazers, Wizards and Bulls, all of which are still battling for a better playoff position.
Boston Celtics (2 home games, 3 road games): at Detroit, at Cleveland, vs. Cleveland, vs. Toronto, at Milwaukee
The Celtics have won three of their last four outings. They have two games— home and away— against the Cavaliers which may or may not rest their key players as the latter have already locked down the second seed in the East.
Indiana Pacers (2 home games, 3 road games): at New York, at Detroit, vs. Oklahoma City, vs. Washington, at Memphis
Perhaps inspired by the return of their superstar George, the Pacers blasted the Heat, 112-89 on Sunday to gain ground in the playoff race. The schedule looks tough after games versus lottery-bound Knicks and Pistons as they close the season against the Thunder— also battling a playoff spot out West—- and the Wizards and Grizzlies— battling for higher seeds.
Miami Heat (4 home games, 1 road game): vs. Charlotte, vs. Chicago, vs. Toronto, vs. Orlando, at Philadelphia
Just a week ago, the potential Cavaliers-Heat first round match-up was one of the hottest topics in a playoff scenario. No thanks to various injuries to key players, the Heat are now mired in a four-game losing skid. The game against the Hornets will be crucial in the playoff race but they still have the Magic and the Sixers in their last two games of the season so they have a relatively easier schedule than the rest.
Charlotte Hornets (2 home games, 4 road games): at Miami, vs. Toronto, at Atlanta, at Detroit, vs. Houston, at Toronto The Hornets need to dig deep in the final two weeks of the regular season. Except for the game against the Pistons, all of their opponents are playoff-bound or battling for a postseason slot including Tuesday’s match-up with the Heat.
Which among these five teams will get the final two slots in the Eastern Conference?
To contact author of this article, email j.quizon@IBTimes.com.au.
