The NBA playoffs is something created by underdogs, last second shots and flu games. Its a matchup that post the best 8 teams against each other in a battle royal. With just under 10 games left to play in this years shortened NBA season, I take a look at the East teams I think will be playing come postseason time.

1.) Chicago: This team has proven they can win even without their star point guard. The clutch play of Loul Deng brings this team depth. They should cruise through the of the season winning enough games to edge Miami.

2.) Miami: The Heat have been great this year, but they have had lapses that potentially will cost the number one overall seed. Lebron is poised to win another MVP, and don’t be surprised if he gets a majority of the consideration for Defensive Player of the Year.

3.) Indiana: Maybe one of the biggest surprises of the year, they are a teams team. Danny Granger has become the number one scorer Indiana has missed since the days of Reggie Miller. This team is ready to win now.

4.) Boston: The fourth overall seed is theirs to win or lose. The Celtics are playing great basketball at the right time. They are proving they can not only win the easy games, but the ones against powerhouses as well. Who said this team was old?

5.) Atlanta: I was tempted to put Orlando before Atlanta but it wouldn’t make sense. Right now Atlanta is the better team, but they wont last forever unless Josh Smith can get some help. Joe Johnson doesn’t look like the same player.

6.) Orlando: This team is a sloppy playoff team. They are lucky to be in the sixth spot, and as long as there is off court drama don’t expect any ground to be made on the fifth seed.

7.) New York: I would have put the Knicks at the 4 seed, but there schedule is just to difficult. Also the early season slump may just prove to much. But none the less expect to see this team in the playoffs for a matchup with the Heat.

8.) Philadelphia: Starting the season in the 4th spot was great for a team with little expectation. No big name scorer hasn’t slowed Philadelphia, a team built on strong defense. It will be a battle these last few games, but I think the Sixers hold on to that eight spot.