A KEY STRETCH AS THE EAST GETS MESSY

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Less than two weeks ago, the picture in the Eastern conference appeared to be very clear. Chicago was sitting in first place looking every bit of dangerous. Brooklyn sat right behind in the two spot feeling good about their chances. Milwaukee and Miami sat in the three and four seed and in easy striking distance.

In the time since, the Bulls have suffered injuries to Zach Lavine, Lonzo Ball, and Alex Caruso, and the Nets lost Kevin Durant for 8 weeks to a knee injury. As it stands today (1/24/22) the Heat have assumed control of the number one seed. The Nets sit at number two. Chicago has fallen all the way to three, and the Bucks sit at four tied with Chicago. At the time when all were healthy, it seemed like the East was a three team race between the Bulls, Nets, and Bucks. Now it seems as though health may decide the Eastern conference. The Bulls being without multiple starters, there is no telling how far they might drop in the standings with the Bucks, Sixers, and Cavs all playing good basketball as of late. The Nets seem to be managing fine right now, but their whole season has been marked by uncertainty.

Also, as we approach the trade deadline, Ben Simmons remains dormant on Philadelphia's roster. This could have a big impact on their chances in the postseason. Long story short, the East has gotten really messy. As we approach the dog days of the season, the next 15 to 20 games of the season will be critical. The top seed is only separated from the six seed by two and a half games. The recently healthy Bucks, the emerging Sixers, and the young Cavs will need to use this stretch to secure their spots in the top of the East. On the other hand, the Bulls and Nets will need to try and stay afloat to stay within range for the final push of the regular season.

With just under half the season left to play, who knows what the standings will look like when the playoffs start. However as we get into the second half, it is clear that health is going to be a key factor as to who comes out on top.