Predicting the NBA Eastern Conference Playoff Bracket

1 Seed: Boston Celtics (63-19)

The Boston Celtics have shown throughout the first half of the season that they are arguably the team to beat in not only the Eastern Conference but the league as a whole. With a top-three defense and offense, the Celtics have the potential to make another run to the NBA Finals in pursuit of their 18th championship. With one of the best-starting fives in the league and their bench finding a groove heading into February's trade deadline, Boston will carry the momentum into the second half of the season and clinch the top seed in the East.

8 Seed: Orlando Magic (44-38)

The Orlando Magic started strong and, at one point, sat at the top of the Eastern Conference. However, that didn't last long, as the Magic struggled and quickly dropped down in the standings. Still, with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner leading the way for the Magic, Orlando could sneak in as the eighth and final seed in the East.

7 Seed: Miami Heat (46-36)

The Miami Heat are the reigning Eastern Conference Champions, but up to this point in the year, they've struggled to find last year's identity. Nonetheless, the Heat earned themselves an appearance in the NBA Finals last season as an eighth seed. Fortunately for Miami, Pat Riley has the assets to make a trade at the deadline. In addition to the move to bring Terry Rozier in from Charlotte, Jimmy Butler looks to lead his team back through the East in the postseason, but this time as the seventh seed.

6 Seed: Cleveland Cavaliers (47-35)

The Cleveland Cavaliers proved to have one of the most explosive teams in the league since the backcourt pairing of Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell came together. And although the team's success hasn't been talked about much this season, the Cavs are currently 9-1 in their last ten games. Getting hot right before the All-Star break could serve J.B. Bickerstaff's team well, with the Cavaliers clinching the sixth seed in the East.

5 Seed: Indiana Pacers (49-33)

Despite their youth, the Indiana Pacers have quickly become one of the most fun teams to watch. With Tyrese Haliburton emerging as a top player in the league and the recent trade to acquire All-Star Pascal Siakam from Toronto, the Pacers have already gone toe-to-toe with some of the best teams this season. And with Kevin Pritchard likely to continue retooling Rick Carlisle's squad, Indiana will enter the postseason as a fearless fifth seed.

4 Seed: New York Knicks (51-31)

The New York Knicks were the first team to make an in-season blockbuster trade this year after acquiring OG Anunoby from the Raptors. And since adding the two-way player to their already scrappy roster, the Knicks have been one of the hottest teams in the league, with an 8-2 record in their last ten games. With Jalen Brunson taking yet another leap and Julius Randle manning the frontcourt, the Knicks could make some noise in the East as the fourth seed.

3 Seed: Philadelphia 76ers (54-28)

The Philadelphia 76ers entered the season with a bit of a whirlwind after trading James Harden after a dramatic departure from Philadelphia. Nonetheless, with Tyrese Maxey becoming a star for the Sixers, Philly forgot all about the offseason troubles and looked ahead to the success of the new duo of Maxey and Joel Embiid. As Nick Nurse leads the charge for the 76ers, Philly will lock in as the third seed looking to finally get over the postseason hump.

2 Seed: Milwaukee Bucks (57-25)

The Milwaukee Bucks have been one of the more intriguing stories in the last few weeks. Despite their impressive start with rookie head coach Adrian Griffin and newcomer Damian Lillard, the Bucks decided to move on from Griffin in the middle of the season and ink former NBA head coach Doc Rivers to a deal. With the talent to match any team in the league and a deep bench to support it, the Bucks could be primed for a deep playoff run after clinching the second seed.

1 Seed: Boston Celtics (63-19)

The Boston Celtics have shown throughout the first half of the season that they are arguably the team to beat in not only the Eastern Conference but the league as a whole. With a top-three defense and offense, the Celtics have the potential to make another run to the NBA Finals in pursuit of their 18th championship. With one of the best-starting fives in the league and their bench finding a groove heading into February's trade deadline, Boston will carry the momentum into the second half of the season and clinch the top seed in the East.