The Bucks have the easiest average opponent remaining and an easy schedule throughout. The Heat actually have the second easiest schedule left, though the Bulls and Raptors loom. Indiana's schedule gets tougher by the game, but overall, there isn't too much resistance.

Who Will Get In?

Factoring in schedule and current standings, the algorithms still expect things to stay the same way and give the Bucks, Nets, and Celtics the best shot to secure a postseason berth. However, the Pacers and Heat could take advantage of winnable schedules.

The Pacers are the best team in the race, based on nERD, but own just a 26.0 percent chance to make the playoffs. Still, they're playing like a top six team in the league since the All-Star Break, and that could cause any team -- even the Hawks or Cavs -- to sweat a first-round matchup with last year's number-one seed in the East.

For the sake of the first round's watchability, let's hope the Pacers can sneak in and make some noise. Unless you're a Nets, Celtics, Heat, or Hornets fan, that is.