Compared to the chaotic West End, the East End is much clearer. In today's Hawks victory over the Cavaliers, the Knicks and Wizards completely missed the top 10 in the East Side, which also means that the top 10 list in the East End is officially determined. Next, the four teams in the play-off zone will be ready to compete for playoff spots, while the teams fishing in advance will start planning for next season.
Today, Trae Young blasted 30 points and 9 assists to lead the Eagles to a 131-107 victory over the Cavaliers, winning four straight. As a result, the Hawks finished 40-37, 10th in the East, 11th place Knicks (34-43) by six wins. With only five games left on both teams, the Knicks are no longer likely to overtake the Hawks, for which the Knicks miss the top 10. The Knicks are still like this, and the wizards who rank after the Knicks need not be said.
This also means that the top 10 in the Eastern District have all been identified. Currently in the top 6 are the Heat, Bucks, Celtics, 76ers, Bulls and Raptors. The Cavaliers, Nets, Hornets and Hawks moved into the playoff area. The Heat, Bucks and Greens have locked up playoff qualification.
Compared to the East End, the West End is much more chaotic. The Timberwolves, Clippers, Pelicans and Spurs are currently in the playoff area, while the Lakers, Kings and Trail Blazers still have the chances to be in the top 10. After losing to the Jazz today and losing four straight losses, the Lakers and Spurs are both 31-45, falling back into the top 10. The kings and trailblazers in the top 10 are only theoretically possible.
The top 6 in the West End are currently the Suns, Grizzlies, Lone Rangers, Warriors, Jazz and Nuggets, with the Suns, Grizzlies and Lone Rangers having locked up playoff qualification.
What happened to the Knicks and the Wizards is lamentable. The Knicks were the darkest horse in the East End last season, Randle was elected the most improved player, and Thibodeau was elected the best manager, but this season the Knicks can't even play in the playoffs; the Wizards were ranked first in the East Side at the beginning of the season, which made people feel that the Lakers' trade to introduce Westbrook was a loss. But now, the Wizards' hopes of making the playoffs are dashed ahead of time. (Supine Braces/Hairy)