Who would face who in the 2013 NBA Playoffs if the season ended today? Check out the standings and possible matchups that fans could see play out in the postseason. Seeds are far from secure in both conferences, but here's where everybody lies in their conference and who the Top 8 teams in each conference would face in the playoffs.
Miami Heat (1) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (8)
There's definitely no oxymoron when describing the Heat's season. The Heat are red hot and far from cold as they are winners of 27 straight games. They are 56-14 and possess the best winning percentage in the NBA. They would face off against the 34-35 Bucks, who, though they possess a record below .500, are comfortably in eighth place as the No. 9 seed, Philadelphia Sixers, are 7.5 games back. Heat own the season series 2-1.
Indiana Pacers (2) vs. Boston Celtics (7)
There is a constant battle between the Pacers and New York Knicks. Both teams are divided by .5 games. For now, however, let's focus as the Pacers possess the second best record in the East. At 44-27, the Pacers look to secure a high seed, although, they will face a scrappy Celtics team that is 36-33 in the season. Their series is tied 1-1. Both teams will meet one last time in April.
New York Knicks (3) vs. Atlanta Hawks (6)
This could be the Knicks' chance to advance further into the playoffs for the first time in a long time. The Hawks are a great team during the regular season as their 39-32 proves they've struggled a bit in 2013. They have truly struggled in the playoffs in the past couple of seasons. The Knicks are 42-26 and, if they want, they could avoid facing a tough Boston team. The Knicks and Celtics have split their season series so far and see each other twice. As far as the Hawks are concerned, the Knicks have won their only meeting in 2013. They also see each other twice before the end of the season.
Brooklyn Nets (4) vs. Chicago Bulls (5)
What a way to open Barclays center?! Already making playoff runs in their first time playing in Brooklyn. With a 41-29 record, the Nets would love to bring the Atlantic Division title to Brooklyn as they are just two games behind the Knicks. As for the Bulls, there is no doubt that they could have used Derrick Rose, but they will have to play on without him. They've gone a decent 38-31 so far. Bulls own season series 2-1 with one more game remaining.
San Antonio Spurs (1) vs. Los Angeles Lakers
The Spurs haven't locked up first place, but they have a 1.5 game lead over the OKC Thunder. The Lakers are battling for the eighth seed. The Spurs are 53-17 while the Lakers are 36-35 barely keeping their heads above .500 and grasping on to the final playoff spot. The Spurs own season series 2-0 with one more game remaining between the two teams.
Oklahoma City Thunder (2) vs. Houston Rockets (7)
This almost brings a smile to James Harden's face though his team is destined to lose. The Thunder are 52-19 while the Rockets are 39-31 in 2013. This would be a chance for Harden to make his former team look completely foolish. OKC owns the season series winning two of three games.
Los Angles Clippers (3) vs. Golden State Warriors (6)
The Clippers are struggling, but they are also 48-22 in the season as they are completely dominating the Pacific conference. They would face a young Warriors team that has proved strong at times throughout the year. The Warriors are 41-31 in the season and attempting to distance themselves from No. 7 Rockets who are just a game behind them in the standings. The Warriors won the series 3-1.
Denver Nuggets (4) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (5)
The Nuggets streak of 15 straight victories was broken up by the New Orleans Hornets. The Grizzlies fell off in the past few weeks and the Nuggets (49-23) took over fourth place. Third and fourth places in the Western Conference are extremely close as the Clippers are a seeding above because of their winning percentage. The Nuggets own the season series 2-1.
As you can see, nothing is yet cemented in the standings and in the Western Conference, the Utah Jazz are fighting against the Lakers for the final playoff spot as they are just a game behind them.
The playoffs begin on Apr. 20.
