Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers: Looking into the Eastern Conference Playoffs contenders – NBA Feature Part 4
6. Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic, are being regarded as one of the weakest teams in the Eastern Conference and with Dwight Howard out of the season, it does not come as much of a surprise. Their slumping end to the season is proof
of the fact that Magic currently find themselves in all kinds of troubles.
They finished the season with a win-loss record of 37-29 courtesy of a poor finish to the season. At one point, Magic looked like they were going to secure the number three spot, however with several players
going out, it took its toll on Orlando`s cause.
Even though, Turkoglu may be returning to action in the playoffs but the chances of Magic making it past the first round still look very dim. It is not like that the other Magic players are not good enough; it’s
the fact that having no true leader on the court does its damage in the playoffs.
If the Magic are to make their impact felt in the playoffs, they would require the best out of their players like J.J. Redick, Jameer Nelson and Ryan Anderson who with all their experience combined are the only
hope for this Orlando side.
7. New York Knicks
Even though the Knicks struggled to get going at the start of the season but under their new interim coach, Mike Woodson, they seem to be in relishing form. One cannot say what Woodson said or did, but this Knicks
team has completely turned things around since his takeover.
Woodson seems to have been able to get the best out of each and every one of his players. Carmelo Anthony is currently in the best form for a long time and has been in spectacular scoring form. Melo who may be
regarded as one of the worst defender out of the star players seems to have made an improvement in that aspect as well under Woodson.
A season which looked lost for the Knicks had it not been the rise for 'Linsanity' the team from the big apple have been able to get together to be a strong candidate for the playoffs.
Since adorning the Knicks uniform, there has been speculation of Anthony being unable to work together with the other All-Star on the team, Amar'e Stoudemire. However, Woodson believes that he can make this partnership
click and in the three games since Stoudemire's much awaited return to action from injury, Knicks have won two. However, we still have to find out as to how this duo will perform in the more intense, more tiring experience of the playoffs.
The stars do seem to be working in favour of the Big Apple team who along with Stoudemire have gotten their veteran point guard, Baron Davis back from injury and if they make it past the first round, they will
have Jeremy Lin back in action.
However the daunting task of facing the Miami Heat lies ahead in the first round of playoff which is being considered as one of the best matchup of this year playoffs.
8. Philadelphia 76ers
We round things up with breaking down the last team in the Eastern Conference i.e. the Philadelphia 76ers who left it late to make their way into playoff contention. They finished the season off in a strong fashion
by winning 4 of their last five games.
Many basketball pundits would consider the Sixers being as one of the pretenders to the claim of winning the all elusive NBA Championship. Some might agree to that philosophy, some may disagree but we would mark
them as the surprise package of the playoffs.
The current lineup for the Sixers with the likes of Andre Iguodala and Elton Brand among them, the team from Philadelphia present themselves as the quick paced no fear style of team. Come playoff time, they will
be turning a lot of heads with their style of play.
However we still have to watch their performance in the post season and consider the possibility of them being a championship calibre team in the making.
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