THE EASTERN CONFERENCE
Now, this conference is a bit of a basket case. It looks like 3 or 4 teams will make the playoffs with losing records, which is a massive con of a seeding playoff structure. Anyway, the teams that are in contention are teams which push the Western Conference finalists to 7 games, if they aren't crowned NBA Champions before then.
#1 Miami Heat
(65/17)
Full disclosure, I am a Miami Heat fan. However, it doesn't cloud my judgment. In saying that though, I see them only dropping 3 games max on their run home. Any team that has LeBron James on it will always do well. It is a two horse race in the Eastern Conference and even if the Heat finishes second, I don't think they are afraid to play game 7 in the opposition’s building.
#2 Indiana Pacers
(64/18)
The other serious contender for the Eastern Conference Champions. This team has added depth to the roster, from the team that fell so close to knocking the Heat off their throne. Since the All-Star break though, they have been on a little bit of a skid dropping games to teams under .500, and losing multiple games on the road. They will bounce back though. They just need to do it before they meet Miami in the playoffs.
#3 Toronto Raptors
(48/34)
The surprise packet of the season for mine. Granted they are playing in a woeful division but you can only beat who is in front of you. A few good trades mid-season and some players who have really evolved will see this team playoff bound for the first time in many years. This team could still be beaten in the first round of the playoffs though but it's not about this year for them. They are building for the future in a very good way.
#4 Chicago Bulls
(47/35)
A team that has been decimated by the loss of their point guard, All Star Derrick Rose. They still manage to win game after game. I thought this would be the team that would challenge Miami for the title pre-season but after the loss of Rose, I don't see them improving after the second round of the playoffs. The off season will be very interesting to watch for this team as they continue to find that one piece that will take them all the way.