Orlando Magic Daily
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2017-18 NBA Eastern Conference Playoff Outlook: Preseason Edition

By Ryan Doyle

ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 13: Jonathon Simmons #17 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the preseason game on October 13, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 13: Jonathon Simmons #17 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the preseason game on October 13, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 10: Norman Powell #24, Jonas Valanciunas #17 Kyle Lowry #7, Serge Ibaka #9 and DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors chat during the first half of an NBA preseason game against the Detroit Pistons at Air Canada Centre on October 10, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

The Probables

In all likelihood, most of these teams will be playing in the postseason. But these teams do have clear flaws that could mean the end to their playoff aspirations.

First off, the Toronto Raptors managed to keep their stars as Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan will likely return to the postseason. The problem for Toronto will be the team’s depth. As they sign their stars to big contracts, the front office has spent less money on the bench. It probably will not be a major issue during the regular season. But it might be their fatal flaw in the playoffs.

After getting off to a terrible start to begin the year, the Miami Heat turned on the jets and ended last season on a high note. Goran Dragic and Dion Waiters were fantastic. Hassan Whiteside is one of the NBA’s best rim protectors. The Heat do not have the top-end talent to compete with the elite team’s in the East, but they are certainly a playoff caliber squad.

Now that Dwight Howard has entered the fold, the Charlotte Hornets have the talent to make a postseason run. Sadly, the injury to Nicolas Batum really hurt. But they should play top-tier defense on their way to a middle-to-late seed in the playoffs.

The Philadelphia 76ers should be a playoff team in 2018. If Joel Embiid and company have health on their side, they are must-watch basketball every night. Adding a veteran like J.J. Redick will allow the 76ers to take the next step in their development.