(Photo : (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)) MIAMI, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 02: Jaime Jaquez Jr. #11 of the Miami Heat shoots the ball over Aaron Nesmith #23 of the Indiana Pacers throughout the second quarter of the sport at Kaseya Center on December 02, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or utilizing this {photograph}, User is consenting to the phrases and situations of the Getty Images License Agreement.
As we attain the closing weeks of the NBA season, groups wish to transfer up the standings, making ready for the playoffs. Several groups within the Eastern Conference are gunning for a seemingly up for grabs sixth seed, in an effort to keep away from the dreaded Play-In.
NBA East Sixth Seed: Orlando Magic
One of the higher success tales of the season, indubitably, has been the Orlando Magic.
The Magic (41-27) is having an amazing season behind the play of All-Star Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, who has continued to enhance his recreation all through his three-year profession.
The query is, can the Orlando Magic hold it going? Orlando has the expertise to maintain themselves out of the Play-In, however have they got the expertise?
The Magic are one of many youngest groups within the league, and usually, the skilled groups are those who know what to do down the stretch within the playoffs. It can be fascinating to see if the Magic may sustain with extra skilled groups throughout playoff time.
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NBA East Sixth Seed: Indiana Pacers
The (39-31) Indiana Pacers are holding on to the sixth seed for pricey life.
This season has been profitable for the Pacers, with All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton having a breakout 12 months.
Indiana made certain to strengthen their core throughout the season, buying and selling for ahead Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors properly earlier than the commerce deadline.
The Pacers began the season sturdy, even making the NBA In-Season event; they’ve since cooled off after falling into the center pack of Eastern Conference playoff groups.
As of now, the Indiana Pacers are combating to stay sixth within the NBA East, protecting their playoff hopes alive recreation by recreation.
NBA East Sixth Seed: Miami Heat
The query just isn’t whether or not the Miami Heat could make one other deep playoff run however whether or not they can get themselves out of the Play-In.
The Miami Heat (38-31) are presently seventh within the west, tied with the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Heat have struggled with accidents to essential gamers like Tyler Herro and Jimmy Butler, who’ve been coping with nagging accidents all season lengthy.
All-Star big-man Bam Adebayo is presently out attributable to damage, together with Duncan Robinson.
Despite this, they managed to remain afloat and stay aggressive throughout the second half of the NBA season.
The Miami Heat wouldn’t solely prefer to keep away from the Play-In, but additionally keep away from a possible matchup with the Boston Celtics within the first spherical, who’ve for probably the most half seemed like one of the best workforce within the league.
NBA East Sixth Seed: Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers have fallen within the standings with out their reigning MVP Joel Embiid.
The workforce has gone 2-23 with out the Process on the roster, with the workforce seeking to first time All-Star Tyrese Maxey to maintain them afloat.
Avoiding the seventh or eighth seed Play-In can be very best for the Sixers, because it has been reported that Joel Embiid may seemingly be returning at first of April.
The Philadelphia 76ers would additionally prefer to not see the Boston Celtics early within the NBA Playoffs, particularly with out Embiid on the helm.
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