Originally Posted by PD

Looking at the Eastern teams, I break the teams down like this.

Locked to make the playoffs

Miami 40-14 .741
Detroit 32-19 .627 6 ½
Boston 27-26 .509 12 ½
Cleveland 30-21 .588 8 ½
Washington 30-22 .577 9

The rest

Orlando 28-24 .538 11
Chicago 26-23 .531 11 ½
Philadelphia 26-27 .491 13 ½
Indiana 25-26 .490 13 ½
New Jersey 23-30 .434 16 ½

Obviously, we can all say no one is locked. If Shaq went down with a season ending injury, Miami would look pretty bad. The same thing can be said about Boston and Cavs. I really dont' believe the Cavs can go without James leading. Anyhow that is not important.

Lets look at "the rest".

Those five teams are fighting for the last three spots. It's not going to be a fun fight particularly the 8th spot. If somehow Indiana could put together a 6-7 game winning straight, they would separate themselves. Unfortunately, Chicago, Phily, NY and Orlando could do it too.

Of those five teams, I expect Chicago to make it. I would be suprised if Indiana didn't with their talented roster. That leaves one spot for Orlando, Philly and NJ.