After the Beasts: Five Teams in the East Fighting for Playoff Spots

The NBA playoffs are definitely the best part of the NBA season. The next best part is the stretch run leading up to the playoffs. Right now, the playoff race in the East seems to have split up into two parts: the four beasts of the East, and five teams all fighting for positioning. The slide show will go in order that I predict them to finish. Who has the best chance to get fifth? Click to find out.

Comments are welcome and appreciated.

Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks are probably the least talented team out of this group but have caught fire as of late. They have been playing great team basketball, and made a tremendous push and currently find themselves in the 7th position.

I personally don't think that they have the talent to keep this spot, and will fall short of the playoffs once again.

Charlotte Bobcats

The Bobcats have had a great season in comparison to the past and are aiming to finally make the postseason. They currently sit in 9th place, and will need a late season surge to get into the playoffs.

Adding Tyrus Thomas will give them a boost. I think they can grab that 8th seed.

Miami Heat

The Heat aren't exactly a contending team anymore, but still are in the hunt for a spot. They currently sit in 8th. They could make a late season push for 7th or 6th in the East, but will most likely make the playoffs with a low seeding.

Oh, and having Dwayne Wade helps a little.

Chicago Bulls

The Bulls are 6th in the East and pushing for 5th. Losing John Salmons and Tyrus Thomas and gaining very little in return wasn't the best move to strengthen this team. And now with Joakim Noah out for a few weeks, the Bulls' inside game looks weak.

Chicago is almost a lock for the playoffs, but don't be surprised if they fall a little bit in the standings.

Toronto Raptors

The Raptors are probably the most underrated team in the league, being north of the border. They have been struggling a little bit after the break, but that's mainly because of an injury to Chris Bosh (yeah, that guy's pretty good).

If the Raps want to hang on to that 5th spot, they have to end the 4-game skid they are currently riding right now and start putting some wins together.

When Bosh returns though, I think they can do it. The Raptors are a lock for the playoffs, and probably will face the Hawks or Celtics in the first round.