Eastern Conference Playoff Seeding Could Come Down To Final Game

The Cleveland Cavaliers are the third seed in the Eastern Conference, but that could change before the NBA regular season ends.

Nov 1, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) controls the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

We’re coming down to the final stretch of games in the NBA’s regular season. The Cleveland Cavaliers have just five games left before the playoffs officially start and where they will finish in the Eastern Conference is anybody’s guess.

As of Thursday afternoon (April 4), the Cavs hold the third seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 46-31. However, all of that could change in the final week and a half. Cleveland could use these last handful of games to jump higher in the seeding or drop out of having home-court advantage in the first round. 

The Milwaukee Bucks are the second seed at 47-29 but they have their own issues. They’ve dropped two straight games to teams that are out of the playoff race and under .500.

The Orlando Magic are the third seed with a 45-31 record and are surging at the right time. They’ve won eight of their last 11 games and have jumped the New York Knicks in the East. 

The Knicks are the fifth seed with a 42-33 record and just lost star forward Julius Randle for the rest of the season. They still have the personal to be a dangerous team in a seven-game series.

Nov 1, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) controls the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Then there is the ever-dangerous Miami Heat lurking in the sixth seed with a 42-33 record and they’re waiting to take advantage of any team who underperforms ahead of them.

A lot is going on around the Cavaliers which could create a heightened sense of urgency. But Cleveland needs to keep their head down and focus on their next opponent. However, with how close it is between all of these teams, it wouldn’t be surprising if the seeding for each team came down to the last game before the postseason.