Dallas Mavericks: Predicting the Eastern Conference standings

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One Year Away

These teams have put together good pieces and could be in position to move up into the playoffs as soon as next year, they just need a little more experience and time to gel.

12. Washington Wizards

Let me be clear by saying the Washington Wizards are only one year away from a potential playoff berth, what I mean is that Bradley Beal is one star teammate away or John Wall is one miraculous recovery away from the Wizards being in the playoff picture. Either way, neither of those things will be happening this year, which means playoffs are doubtful for the Wiz.

Beal, however, is a star and will continue to be recognized as such throughout this year. Although he is not in an ideal situation, he is capable of keeping the Wizards out of the bottom tier by himself.

I expect to see fewer than 30 wins from the Wizards this year.

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11. Atlanta Hawks

One team that everyone seems to be pretty excited about in the future is the Atlanta Hawks, who continue to add promising youth to the roster on a regular basis. From John Collins “steal of the draft” play to Trae Young‘s promising rookie season to the drafting of De’Andre Hunter and Cam Reddish, the Hawks are making all the right moves to be a contender in the East in the future.

I don’t think the team will make the necessary leap to get to the playoffs this year, though. The team is going to need some time to gel and these young players need time to make mistakes and grow as players before they will take that next step. The future is bright for Atlanta, though.

A step closer to 40 wins seems doable for this Hawks team. Maybe 33-37 wins this year.

10. Chicago Bulls

Much like the Hawks, I see the Chicago Bulls as a team that is accumulating really talented youth. Wendell Carter Jr., Lauri Markkanen, Chandler Hutchison, Coby White, even Zach LaVine are all nice, young players with bright futures. The Bulls step above the Hawks for me is just the fact that they have some better experienced additions like Otto Porter Jr. and Thaddeus Young.

As of now, I have the Bulls ahead of the Hawks, but I expect the Hawks to grow quicker and more effectively. This Bulls team is strong enough to potentially even compete for a playoff spot this year, although I expect them to fall short.

A projected win total of around 38 feels right for these Bulls.

Next: The Bubble Teams

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