East playoff race tightens as Raptors, Magic, Sixers among those aiming to avoid play-in

The NBA’s Play-In Tournament was designed to keep more teams competitive down the stretch. This year’s Eastern Conference race is a good example of why.

Several teams are battling to secure the fifth and sixth seeds and avoid the Play-In entirely. As things stand, the Raptors hold the fifth spot at 36-27, with the Magic just behind at 35-28. The Heat are also 35-28 but currently sit seventh after losing the tiebreaker to Orlando.

The 76ers, Hawks and Hornets are also in the mix, while the Bucks remain further back in the standings.

Writers from The Athletic recently weighed in on which of those teams faces the most pressure over the final weeks of the season.

Tony Jones pointed to the Sixers, noting the expectations after last year’s brutal 24-58 finish. Philadelphia showed early promise this season but has struggled to maintain consistency. Injuries have only complicated matters.

The Sixers are currently without Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George for at least the next couple of games and have already slipped into Play-In position.

Jones suggested the next stretch could define the direction of the franchise. Even reaching the playoffs would be a significant step forward after last year.

Eric Nehm said the easy answer might be the Bucks, though Milwaukee’s disappointing season has already lowered expectations somewhat. Instead, he pointed to the Magic.

Orlando finished fifth two seasons ago and seventh last year. Another early playoff exit could raise questions about whether the current roster has plateaued.

Josh Robbins added that financial realities could complicate Orlando’s future as well. Paolo Banchero’s max extension begins next season and the Magic already have major commitments to Franz Wagner, Desmond Bane and Jalen Suggs.

Combined with an offense that has struggled in the half court, the coming months could prove important for determining the franchise’s direction.