Only 3.5 games separate Boston (third currently) and New Jersey (ninth). Indiana and Washington currently are seeded fourth and fifth, which would be the most desirable positions.

The sixth seed will get to have a favorable match up against Boston or Philadelphia, and the fifth seed will likely face Chicago, the fourth seed, which lacks postseason experience from its young roster.

Cleveland has been sliding lately, and will probably settle for just making the playoffs in Lebron’s second year. Philadelphia’s schedule is easier than New Jersey’s, greeting lottery-destined teams like Milwaukee and Atlanta. Philadelphia still has a chance to get the third seed, and will play hard until the end. The Vince Carter trade was a positive for the team, but it will not be enough to get them into the postseason. Orlando still has an outside shot, but their chances declined when Grant Hill was lost for the season.

Sacramento, Houston, and Denver have all guaranteed themselves a spot. Sacramento has always been a force in the playoffs, but with the trading of Chris Webber, the Kings are very vulnerable this year.

Houston took a blow when they lost Juwan Howard for the rest of the season due to a viral infection. Yao Ming is going to have to step up his game along with Tracy McGrady if Houston plans to beat a top team.

Denver has been on a tear during the past two months, posting a 22-3 record in their last 25 games. George Karl has really got the team playing well, and if they face Seattle team, they could pull the upset.

Memphis is doing just enough to hold down the last spot in the West. The Minnesota Timberwolves would need to pull their own little “miracle on court” to surpass the Grizzlies.