Updated Eastern Conference Playoff Picture With One Week Left In the Regular Season

The last week of the NBA season is upon us. 

Heading into the last week, the Eastern Conference is in flux, outside of the very top. 

The Boston Celtics have been the best team in the NBA from the start of the season and they have a 14-game lead on second place. Boston is the heavy favorite to come out of the Eastern Conference and looks to be the only reliable team in the East as the season winds down. 

The rest of the East is a mess. Milwaukee is still in second place by 1.5 games, but they are currently on a three-game losing streak. The Bucks have had a chance to close on second place, but have not taken advantage. 

Cleveland is in third place, 1.5 games behind Milwaukee, but the Cavs have not been playing well either. This is going to be a big postseason for the future of the Cavaliers. 

The Orlando Magic had a golden opportunity to pull closer to the Cavs and Bucks but lost a bad game to the Hornets on Friday. It has been a great season for the Magic, but it would be best for them if they can move up to No. 2 or No. 3 to avoid being on Boston's side of the bracket. 

The Knicks got some bad news this week when it was announced that Julius Randle would be out for the season. New York is a talented team, but they are having to play guys lots of minutes and it is fair to wonder how they will fare this postseason. 

No's 6, 7, and 8 are all in a race to see who can avoid the play-in tournament. Indiana holds No. 6 for now, but Miami and Philadelphia are not far behind them. The 76ers just welcomed back Joel Embiid and could be a big threat in the East in the playoffs. 

Chicago and Atlanta look to be heading for a meeting in the No. 9 vs No. 10 game. The Bulls are 1.5 games ahead of Atlanta. 

1. Boston Celtics (61-16)

2. Milwaukee Bucks (47-30, 14 GB)

3. Cleveland Cavaliers (46-32, 15.5 GB)

4. Orlando Magic (45-32, 16 GB)

5. New York Knicks (45-32, 16 GB)

6. Indiana Pacers (44-34, 17.5 GB)

7. Miami Heat (43-34, 18 GB)

8. Philadelphia 76ers (43-35, 18.5 GB)

9. Chicago Bulls (37-40, 24 GB)

10. Atlanta Hawks (36-42, 25.5 GB)