Contenders and Pretenders: NBA Eastern Conference Postseason Probables

They have 13 games against potential postseason entrants and will have to see Boston, Detroit, and Cleveland at least two more times each before season's end. They don't play the Wizards until next month and by then Arenas may be playing. Simply put, they need to win as many games as they can and hope that Arenas' ego leads to the Wizards downfall. If all those variables come true the 76ers may be able to snag the sixth seed.

But honestly, how much can they have in the tank by the time that they lock horns with the Wizards in April?

8) New Jersey Nets (26-35)/Atlanta Hawks (24-35)/Chicago Bulls (24-36)

The Nets have finally given Jason Kidd what he wanted, and in the end, it might have helped them. They still have Richard Jefferson, Vince Carter, and Devin Harris. The Nets are clinging to a slim lead and it won't be any easier. Their first five games of the month involve teams wanting to keep their possible playoff spots, including the hottest team in the NBA, Houston.

Ironically enough, the final month of the season has the Nets playing their first five games also against playoff contenders. To make it even worse for them, their season ender is against Boston. Jersey's Big Three better bring their A+ game with them, otherwise another team will get their spot in the postseason.

Atlanta is two games out of the final spot in the postseason, which makes them one of the two bubble teams of the East. Mike Bibby has resurrected his career in Atlanta, while Al Horford has proven that 'Gator Nation' is alive and kicking in the NBA. The Hawks have relied heavily on Joe Johnson to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.

Their big bonus is that one of their losses could be avenged when they finish a make up game with the Heat due to a rule violation. Besides that, they have 10 games against possible playoff contenders, and wins over at least eight of them will have them in a better position than they are at this moment. 

Chicago has had a rebuilding year. After the controversy that surrounded Joakim Noah and with Ben Wallace gone to the third team of his career, the Bulls will have work extra hard to get things done if they want a trip to the postseason.

They're two-and-a-half games out of the eighth spot, have a couple of slugfests against Eastern Conference powerhouse Boston, and they don't have Big Ben to get physical in the paint. They still find ways to win, however, so something must be working. Key wins over playoff teams will get things going in their favor.

It's the final stretch. Ten teams battling for eight spots. Doesn't get any better than a down to the wire playoff run. Enjoy the next two months because it doesn't get any easier in May. 

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