NBA Eastern Conference Playoff Seeding Predictions

Seven of the eight teams that will represent the EAST in this year's playoff are already set. The only thing that could change is the seeding. Here is a list of the probable playoff outcomes after the final two weeks of games.

1. Boston Celtics (61-15) - Boston has already sewn up top seed status not only in the East but in the entire NBA as well.

2. Detroit Pistons (54 - 21) - The Pistons are currently 6 ½ games ahead of the Orlando Magic with 7 games to go. They are all but assured the second seed.

3. Orlando Magic (48-28) - Orlando is in a similar position as the Pistons. They have a 6 ½ game lead over Cleveland with only 7 to play. They are a lock for the 3 seed.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers (42-35) - The Cavs have had a rough road of late with injuries and tight loses. The Cavs have a favorable schedule the last 5 games playing New Jersey, Chicago, and Miami, before playing the Sixers and finally a Detroit team that will be resting it's veterans for the playoff run.

5. Philadelphia 76ers (39-38) - Philly should overtake Washington for the 5^th spot in the East. They have been playing better basketball of late and have a slight chance to even overtake the Cavs. The fight for the fifth spot will come down to the April 12^th matchup with the Wizards on the road.

6. Washington Wizards (40-37) - Washington has had the good fortune of getting Gilbert Arenas back for the playoff run. The problem for the Wizards is that they play Boston, Detroit, Philadelphia, Indiana and Orlando to finish out its season. There is a very real chance that Washington could lose 4 of those games. Luckily for them they are locked in for a playoff berth but will have to settle for the 6^th seed.

7. Toronto Raptors (38-39) -Toronto could catch Washington but they must win 4 of their next 5. They play the Pistons but also play 4 of the worst teams in the East with Miami, Chicago, Milwaukee, and New Jersey. I predict they win 3 and slot in at number 7.

8. Atlanta Hawks (36-41) - The Hawks are the only team of the eight that are not locked into the playoffs. They do fortunately have a 4 ½ game lead with 5 to go over the Indiana Pacers. They only need one win and they play the New York Knicks on April 11^th. Mark it down the Hawks make their first playoffs this Millennium.

Records and Schedule courtesy of NBA.com