The Detroit Pistons are sitting comfortably atop the Eastern Conference with a 5.5 game lead, casting a formidable shadow over the competition. Hot on their heels are the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Cleveland Cavaliers, all tightly packed within a game and a half of each other. Meanwhile, the Raptors are lurking just 3.5 games behind second place, keeping things interesting.
The Celtics have a slight advantage at the moment, and the potential return of Jayson Tatum could bolster their lineup significantly. However, with the season far from concluded, there's plenty of drama left to unfold.
When it comes to the remaining schedule, the Celtics face a tough road ahead. According to Tankathon, they have the sixth most challenging schedule left, with matchups against the Thunder (twice), Spurs, Nuggets, Cavs, and Knicks. This stretch will test their mettle and could define their playoff positioning.
On the other hand, the Cavaliers and Knicks have a more favorable path. The Cavs, with the 26th hardest schedule remaining, have been on a tear, winning nine of their last ten games. The addition of James Harden has been a game-changer, providing a regular season spark that's hard to ignore, even if his playoff performances have been inconsistent.
The Knicks, facing the 20th hardest schedule, are also in a strong position to make a push. As the season winds down, factors like tanking teams, load management, and secured playoff spots can lead to unpredictable outcomes.
The next few weeks are crucial in determining the final seedings. The question remains: where will the Celtics land, and who will secure that coveted second seed? The race is on, and fans are in for an exciting finish.