Who Will Make the NBA Playoffs in the Eastern Conference?

The NBA Eastern Conference race is a tight one for seeds 4-8. The Celtics, Pistons, and Magic have wrapped up their top spots, respectively. While the quality of play is not even close to the Western Conference, tight races have made the home stretch worth paying attention to.

Here is my predicted order of finish, with over a week to go in the season.

1. Boston Celtics
Games left against quality opponents: 1 (Wizards)
Winnable games: 4 (Bucks twice, Knicks, Nets)
Biggest remaining game: April 9 at Wizards

The best team in the East from the start, the Celtics have enjoyed the biggest turnaround in NBA history. Already the #1 seed, they can coast towards the end of the season. While the Big 3 of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce have been tremendous all year long, the play of role players like Rajon Rondo, Leon Powe, and Kendrick Perkins have all been big as well. They are clicking on all cylinders and will be tough to beat in a 7-game series.

2. Detroit Pistons
Games left against quality opponents: 4 (76ers, Raptors, Wizards, Cavaliers)
Winnable games: 2 (Knicks, Timberwolves)
Biggest remaining game: April 16 at Cavaliers

The Pistons have comfortably fallen into the #2 seed. Like the Celtics, they can rest their main guns down the stretch to gear up for the playoffs. They have the depth and experience necessary to stand the best chance of displacing the Celtics should they meet. Much like the Spurs over in the West, they can never be counted out.

3. Orlando Magic
Games left against quality opponents: 2 (Hawks, Wizards)
Winnable games: 3 (Bulls twice, Timberwolves)
Biggest remaining game: April 15 at Hawks

The winners of the Southeast, the Magic will get home-court advantage in the first round as the #3 seed. With new coach Stan Van Gundy, Dwight Howard has enjoyed a monster season, leading the league in double-doubles. Against the top dogs in the Celtics and Pistons, they are 4-3, which is a positive sign should they encounter either team in later rounds.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers
Games left against quality opponents: 2 (76ers, Pistons)
Winnable games: 3 (Nets, Bulls, Heat)
Biggest remaining game: April 14 at 76ers

With a small cushion over the Wizards currently, they can take advantage of their schedule to squeak out home-court advantage in the first round. Last year they dethroned the Pistons when very few people thought possible. This year, the Celtics and Magic are much better, so the road will be harder. The recent acquisitions of Ben Wallace, Delonte West, and Wally Szczerbiak should help.

5. Philadelphia 76ers
Games left against quality opponents: 3 (Suns, Nuggets, Jazz)
Winnable games: 1 (Bobcats)
Biggest remaining game: April 12 at Wizards

Besides the dominance of the Celtics, the other big story to come out of the East has been the emergence of the 76ers. They went 19-9 in February and March to surge back into the playoff hunt. A pair of Andres, Iguodala and Miller, have been the team leaders, along with big man Samuel Dalembert. Since they have been so hot, they can be a handful to eliminate.

6. Washington Wizards
Games left against quality opponents: 4 (Celtics, Pistons, 76ers, Magic)
Winnable games: 0
Biggest remaining game: April 12 vs. 76ers

With Gilbert Arenas finally back from injury, the Wizards should be able to hold off the Raptors for the #5 seed, despite their tough schedule. Fortunately for them, the Celtics and Pistons may not feel compelled to play their best players as much, only helping their cause. If Brendan Heywood can play more like his game against the Bulls on April 5 (25 points, 10 rebounds), they are a tough team to guard.

7. Toronto Raptors
Games left against quality opponents: 1 (Pistons)
Winnable games: 4 (Bucks, Nets, Heat, Bulls)
Biggest remaining game: April 13 at Pistons

Despite their easy schedule to close the year, they have simply not played good basketball lately, which is why they will not get a higher seed. 2 bad losses against the Bobcats and Nets have left them reeling at the worst time of year. They still have Chris Bosh, who has recently returned from a knee injury. He will need to be a leader now more than ever if they want to make some noise in the playoffs.

8. Atlanta Hawks
Games left against quality opponents: 2 (Celtics, Magic)
Winnable games: 2 (Knicks, Heat)
Biggest remaining game: April 8 at Pacers

The Pacers are knocking at the door thanks to a current 8-3 run, but the Hawks have too much of a lead to be caught. The Hawks can put this race to bed with a victory in Indiana on April 8. The arrival of Mike Bibby has helped catapult them into the playoff hunt, where they have not appeared since 1998. Joe Johnson is a legitimate scoring threat, while rookie Al Horford has really taken over on the glass. Even if they will most likely lose in the first round, it's a step in the right direction for the first time in years.

More information: http://www.nba.com/schedules/