I would say that the 8 playoff teams in the East from the past season should all return barring serious injuries. (Bos, NY, Mke, Cle, Orl, Ind, Phi, Mia)

That leaves 7 teams fighting for the play in. Since 20-21 when the play in was introduced without the games within requirement the East 9 seed has averaged a 40.5 win average over 82 games

  • 20/21 Pacers won 34 in 72 = to 38 over 82

  • 21/22 Cavs won 44

  • 22/23 Raptors won 41

  • 23/24 Bulls won 39

The East 10 seed has averaged 39 wins

  • 20/21 Hornets won 33 in 72 = to 37 over 82

  • 21/22 Hornets won 43 games

  • 22/23 Bulls won 40

  • 23/34 Hawks won 36

I’d rank the 7 non playoff teams in the East like this

Should be the 9 seed: Atlanta

Chance at the 10 Seed: Charlotte, Toronto, Chicago

Early lottery: Nets, Pistons, Wizards

I’d say the Hawks are the 9 seed, Trae Young is good enough to win close to 40 games

For the 10 seed Chicago is probably the deepest team out of those three, Charlotte probably has the best starting lineup, and Toronto the best player. If I had to pick I’ll lean Charlotte but that’s entirely dependent on Lamelo’s ankle being able to hold up

  • CarBallAlexBEnglish
    1·
    3 months ago

    You think the Hornets are going to be better than the Pacers?

    Indiana has a better front court, better back court, better bench, experience together, and just won 47 games last season. To be a 9 seed is like being around .500. The Hornets are not adding 20 wins because they added Josh Green, Reggie Jackson and a new coach, even if they are healthy.

    • DeNando528BEnglish
      1·
      3 months ago

      Yes, Hornets is basically an entirely new team with LaMelo and Mark out injured all year, Miles out half a yr for being a douche, Miller is in his 2nd year, they’ve made big trades for Grant and Micic that saw a huge improvement in their play later on, and swapped Clifford for Charles Lee.

      And Pacers merely beat Bucks and NY without their Top 2 stars each. They are the Trae Young Hawks where they go 1 ECF then falls off. Heck, even Trae Young legitimately beats Embiid and Ben.

      • bloodood123BEnglish
        1·
        3 months ago

        pacers had the 4th best net rating in the entire league after all star break (with a hobbled haliburton btw)