Dallas Mavericks: Predicting the Eastern Conference standings

Not Quite Contenders

These teams are going to make the playoffs but are not quite ready to make that final step towards the ECF and the Finals.

6. Brooklyn Nets

The Brooklyn Nets had a special team last year that really worked well together and produced a high energy type of talent that was fun to watch and difficult to play against. This year, they no longer have D’Angelo Russell, their star, but they do have an even better point guard, Kyrie Irving. They also upgraded at the center position with DeAndre Jordan ready to split time with Jarrett Allen.

This Nets team is both a playoff team and a watch out for us next year team. Something about having Kevin Durant locked into a contract for several years is a nice thing to fall back on down the road.

I don’t think a 45-47 win season is out of the realm of possibility, even without KD.

5. Indiana Pacers

I really like the Indiana Pacers and think they made some of the better moves this summer. The addition of Malcolm Brogdon is one that will pay dividends this year and Jeremy Lamb was a sneaky good addition as well. I think missing Victor Oladipo for part of the season will take its toll on the standings, but not enough to keep them out of the picture.

The Pacers are really one superstar away from being a really good team. Brogdon, Domantas Sabonis, Myles Turner and even Oladipo are all really talented, but none of them have proven capable of taking over a game in clutch moments.

Another 48-win season seems doable as they will be great once again, but may falter at first without Oladipo.

4. Orlando Magic

This is a pretty high seed for the Orlando Magic, who like the Pacers don’t really have one bonafide scorer, but have a team made up of solid guys that can all play their part. I do think that the Magic will take another nice step forward this year as a lot of their players showed growth in the season.

They are led by Nikola Vucevic who has gotten better every year of his career. They also got some solid play last year from Evan Fournier, Terrence Ross and D.J. Augustin, all of whom are returning. The additions of Al-Farouq Aminu and Markelle Fultz could be very nice for the team as well, especially if Fultz ever turns in to what he was expected to be at the draft.

The Magic would be making a big jump in the standings, but a 50-win season is not outside of the realm of possibility.

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