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With just a third of the 2019-20 NBA season left to play, the race for the playoffs is heating up as teams attempt to improve their respective seeding.
While the Western Conference continues to receive the majority of the media's attention - teams in the East have plenty to play for over the final two months of the season, and we could see lots of movement before the campaign concludes in April.
So, as we head into the business end of the season, here are my picks for the eight NBA Playoff seeds from the Eastern Conference.
#1 Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks have been the most dominant team of the season so far, and Mike Budenholzer's side possesses a league-best 48-8 record. While the Bucks lack a second superstar, the likes of Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez and Eric Bledsoe have all made big contributions alongside the increasingly outstanding Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Sure, there are still doubts other whether the Bucks can beat the Clippers or the Lakers in the NBA Finals, although they will almost certainly finish at the top of the East standings and could still even achieve a 70-win campaign too.
#2 Toronto Raptors
After losing Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green last summer, many experts predicted that the Toronto Raptors were heading towards an impending rebuild. However, the front office has kept faith with a roster that perfectly blends youth and experience and they have wildly surpassed expectations as we head into the final months of the campaign.
Nick Nurse's side has picked up 18 wins over their past 19 games to surge into second spot in the East, and with a fully healthy roster, the Raptors are now the favourites to finish second behind the run-away Bucks this term.
#3 Boston Celtics
Like the Raptors, the Boston Celtics have struggled with injuries this season - although the roster is returning to full health at the perfect time. Kemba Walker has proved to be an ideal replacement for Kyrie Irving, while Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart have shown considerable development after being handed more responsibility from head coach Brad Stevens.
Gordon Hayward could also be a huge factor come the postseason, and Boston should have enough quality to hold onto the third seed thanks to their solid results both at home (23-5) and on the road too (16-12).
#4 Philadelphia 76ers
Backed as one of the favourites to secure the top seed back in October, the Philadelphia 76ers have been arguably the East's most disappointing team so far this term. While they have been immense at home (26-2), they have been woeful on their travels (9-20), and no other team currently occupying a playoff spot has won fewer games.
However, the Sixers have won four of their past five games. With the combination of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, they should have enough quality to secure homecourt advantage for the first round of the playoffs.
#5 Miami Heat
Following a stunning start the season, the Miami Heat appeared set to secure an unlikely top-three finish, although Erik Spoelstra's side has slumped since the turn of the year.
The Heat have suffered eleven defeats in 23 games, and their road record has become a real issue (13-17).
With that said, the Heat's early season form combined with an excellent record at American Airlines Arena (23-3) should be enough for them to secure the fifth seed - which should be viewed as a major success following last season's 10th placed finish.
#6 Indiana Pacers
Following the much-anticipated return of Victor Oladipo, the Indiana Pacers were in a position to challenge for homecourt advantage.
However, the Pacers have dropped seven of their past 10 games to fall to sixth, and Sunday's 81-127 defeat to the Toronto Raptors will have been a wake-up call to head coach Nate McMillan.
The Pacers won't slip any further down the standings due to the distance between 6th and 7th, though, they are once again in danger of suffering an early postseason exit.
#7 Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets have won seven of their past ten games to virtually assure a playoff appearance for a second consecutive year.
Spencer Dinwiddie is notably enjoying a career-year, and Kenny Atkinson can call upon one of the better rosters in the East. However, Kyrie Irving has been ruled out for the season, while Kevin Durant has confirmed that he won't be back for the playoffs.
Ultimately, the Nets have done well considering their circumstances this season, although their new era will truly get underway next October.
#8 Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic have been lacklustre for much of the season, but are on course to reach the postseason for the second consecutive year thanks to a lack of competition in the East.
Despite a 24-32 record, only the Washington Wizards (20-35) are within striking distance and the Magic's roster is blessed with both more talent and depth their Washington rivals. It has been a frustrating season, and Steve Clifford's men will likely be made to pay with a first-round matchup with the Bucks.
