The Boston Celtics have once again been the dominant force in the NBA Eastern Conference this season and they are firmly in the hunt to finally break their 15-year NBA Championship duck. The likes of the New York Knicks, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Philadelphia 76ers have been firmly in the hunt in behind them all season and they too look to have secured their playoff spot.
However, the door is still open for a few sides to force their way into contention and there are plenty of games to play in the NBA this season:
Orlando Magic
A superb recent run of form has enhanced Orlando Magic’s standing in the East, with 8 wins coming from their last 10 games played. Magic have plenty of attacking options and they have used them wisely this term, enabling them to climb as high as 6th place in the Eastern Conference table.
They have their fate in their own hands, and they are a side full of confidence currently.
What brings them here?
Consistency. Whilst the Orlando Magic have been in excellent form this season, their ability to win games at crunch times has surprised plenty of NBA punters and betting sites, and their bandwagon is showing absolutely no sign of slowing down.
Holding off the challengers below them will be their principal aim but the Magic have the resources to keep plodding on and they look well placed in the Eastern Conference.
What could hold them off?
Hitting a bump. Winning 8 of their last 10 games is a huge tick in the box for Magic but they will need to negotiate any potential bumps in the road that may come their way as the rest of the season pans out.
Injury Report
Markelle Fultz is the only man unavailable to Orlando Magic currently.
Bet on the Orlando Magic to make the Eastern Conference playoffs @ $1.60 with GetSetBet.
Indiana Pacers
Another team in a similar situation over in the East is the Indiana Pacers, who have been by far one of the most entertaining sides to watch in the NBA this season for many punters and betting apps. Sat in 7th, the Pacers are currently going well in the Eastern Conference this season and they will want to hold off the challengers and book their playoff spot.
What brings them here?
Churning out the results. With points flying in at both ends in every game the Pacers have played this season, they are generally a must back for all punters with NBA multi betting sites. They enjoy putting on a show and they will feel that can beat anybody on their day in the NBA.
What could hold them off?
Inconsistent streak. Results have started to become a little patchy for the Indiana Pacers of late, with 5 wins and 5 losses from their last 10 played and that is something they will need to address.
Injury Report
Jalen Smith and Aaron Naismith are the only two men missing for the Indiana Pacers currently.
Bet on the Indiana Pacers to make the Eastern Conference playoffs @ 1.65 with BlueBet.
Chicago Bulls
With Miami Heat faltering a touch in 8th place and the Toronto Raptors off the pace back in 11th, there is only currently the Chicago Bulls who look capable of forcing their way into playoff contention from outside the top 8. A franchise lauded over by both domestic and international betting sites alike due to their Michael Jordan connection, the Bulls are starting to tick this term and can’t be written off yet.
What brings them here?
Finding their feet. Transitional was very much the phrase to describe where the Chicago Bulls were expected to be during the 2024 NBA season, but they have managed to surpass expectations. They are far from all-conquering, but they look best placed to break their way into the playoff monopoly in the East.
What could hold them off?
Too little, too late. For the Chicago Bulls, reaching the playoffs following their abysmal start to the campaign would represent a real turnaround in fortunes and they will also be relying on the sides above them to slip up quite heavily.
Injury Report
Patrick Williams, Zach LaVine, Torrey Craig & Lonzo Ball make up the injury list for the Chicago Bulls currently.
Bet on the Chicago Bulls to make the Eastern Conference playoffs @ 3.50 with Playup.