New Orleans Pelicans: Predictions for all 22 Teams at NBA Disney
New Orleans Pelicans: Predictions for the Eastern Conference at Disney
The Eastern Conference is definitely the weaker conference, but there are some teams that could present trouble for the New Orleans Pelicans or help them make the playoffs.
The Pels can’t take the East lightly, or they will be going home with a lottery pick instead of a playoff berth. Here are predictions for all nine teams representing the Eastern Conference at Disney.
Washington Wizards (1-7)
I’m tempted to say the Wizards will go skunked, as they aren’t good and will be missing John Wall and Davis Bertans. They could pull out a win against the Suns, who aren’t much better. However, the Wizards have nothing to lose, will be underdogs in every game and could end up playing spoiler in an eight game season.
Orlando Magic (2-6)
The Magic are another team that could ruin someone’s season if they are overlooked. I predict they will lose to the Kings, Pacers, Raptors, 76ers, Celtics and Pelicans. However, Orlando is a frisky team that is well-balanced and was playing well, so cannot be overlooked.
Brooklyn Nets (2-6)
It’s hard to see the depleted Nets winning many games. I predict they will lose to the Magic, Bucks, Celtics, Kings, Clippers and Trail Blazers. Could the Nets play spoiler? Sure, but with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant out, they will have an uphill battle in every game.
Philadelphia 76ers (4-4)
The Sixers may be the most difficult team to predict, as they have as much talent as anyone, but were absolutely terrible on the road this year and all of their remaining games are away from home. I predict losses against the Pacers, Trail Blazers, Raptors and Rockets, though Philly could easily win any of those games. The Sixers are the biggest wild card in the East, as they are better than their seeding and have an easy schedule.
Indiana Pacers (4-4)
The Pacers are another tough team to predict, as they don’t stand out on paper, but somehow just keep winning. I predict they will lose to the Lakers, Heat (2) and Rockets. Indiana is another team that could make some noise if they are overlooked.
Miami Heat (5-3)
The Heat are one of the surprise teams in the East and have been riding a trio of rookies along with veteran Jimmy Butler. I predict the Heat will lose to the Nuggets, Bucks and Thunder to go 5-3 in their final eight games.
Boston Celtics (7-1)
The Celtics are one of the teams who could help their position in the final eight games. They are three back of the Raptors, have an easier schedule and would love nothing more than to grab the 2nd seed and avoid playing the Bucks until the Eastern Conference Finals. I predict the Celtics will lose only to the Bucks, go 7-1 and claim the 2nd seed.
Toronto Raptors (4-4)
The Raptors have a tough remaining schedule and a lot to lose if they can’t at least go 4-4 over the last eight and hold off the Celtics. I predict losses against the Lakers, Heat, Celtics and Bucks, though it will be interesting to see what Milwaukee does, as they have all but wrapped up their 1st seed and may be resting some players for the playoffs.
Milwaukee Bucks (6-2)
The Bucks are the best team in the NBA, but won’t have much to play for, so it will be interesting to see how they handle their rotations. Giannis Antetokounmpo should be well-rested, as they’ve been managing his minutes all season and the Bucks have blown so many teams out that he hasn’t had to play much in 4th quarters. I predict the Bucks will lose to the Mavs and Rockets, though they could easily go 8-0 if everyone plays.