Indiana Pacers
Just one game back from playoff position, the Pacers are in great shape. They have bounced in and out of playoff contention in the second half of the season. But, with the return of Paul George, they could be ready to make their move. In his season debut, George scored 13 points in 15 minutes as the Pacers topped the Miami Heat 112-89 in a rematch of last year's Eastern Conference Finals. While the Heat lineup has been significantly altered, the Pacers are nearly identical to a season ago. With the exception of Rodney Stuckey, nearly every player was on the roster last season. With George back in the lineup, the Pacers are one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference. They now have the depth to not only make the playoffs but potentially win a series. The thought of George Hill and Paul George back alongside each other is scary in and of itself. If George can regain his health and strength, the Pacers would present an intimidating first round matchup.
Brooklyn Nets
Having won 11 of their last 14 games, the Nets have emerged at the perfect time. Currently seventh in the Eastern Conference standings, they are just two games back from the Milwaukee Bucks, who currently hold the sixth seed. While the Nets will not finish the regular season with a winning record, they are likely to make the postseason. Their first round matchup would be against a top-three team which currently includes the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Chicago Bulls. The streaking Nets look poised to silence critics and use their talented lineup to maneuver through the Eastern Conference playoffs if a favorable first round playoff series presents itself.
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors have repeated as Atlantic Division champs and now sit in fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings. Once a top team in the East, they have been shaky in the second half of the season, taking a back seat to the Hawks, Cavs, and Bulls. Yet, a potential first round matchup against the Washington Wizards could end in their favor. With the winner likely moving on to face the Hawks, the Raptors have the depth and talent to surprise the NBA world in what could be a wide-open Eastern Conference.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers are not necessarily underrated, having clinched a playoff berth as the fifth seed in the Western Conference. However, they were expected to finish much higher in the standings and have been largely overshadowed by division rival Golden State Warriors coupled with the injury of Blake Griffin. Nevertheless, Griffin's return has sparked the Clippers, who have won 10 of 12 games since having their star forward back in the lineup. They were not horrible during the 15 games Griffin spent on the sideline, but his return has allowed other players, such as J.J. Redick to flourish. Redick, who was fairly transparent during the first half of the regular season, has scored 25 points in two of his last three games. The ninth-year guard has scored at least 20 points in seven of 12 games since Griffin returned from injury. Matt Barnes has also begun to heat up for a Clippers team whose good health and depth will allow them to go far in the postseason. Don't sleep on the Clippers because if this hot team gets hotter, the Western Conference playoffs could bust wide open.