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New York Knicks: Eastern Conference Playoff Projections

By Maurice Moton

Dec 4, 2015; New York, NY, New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) shoots a free throw in the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks win 108-91. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2015; New York, NY, New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) shoots a free throw in the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks win 108-91. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports /
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Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) brings the ball down court during the first quarter of a basketball game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center.
Apr 6, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) brings the ball down court during the first quarter of a basketball game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Pistons: No. 7

Pistons’ lead skipper Stan Van Gundy has won 60 percent of his games as a head coach.

Despite low expectations and an inexperienced starting point guard to began the 2015-16 season, Van Gundy led the Pistons to a No. 8 seed. Furthermore, the Pistons challenged the Cavaliers in the postseason. Despite the sweep, three out of four contests ended with narrow victory at 10 points or fewer.

The Pistons have kept their starting lineup in place; continuity will play a role in their success. Fourth-year guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and second-year forward Stanley Johnson should take progressive steps in development as the year progresses. Though talented, forward Tobias Harris must stay healthy to optimize his impact as a stretch-4.

Detroit goes into the season with a two-way centerpiece in Andre Drummond, but the roster still lacks the firepower to earn a higher seed in the East. Point guard Reggie Jackson and Caldwell-Pope must overachieve to propel the team through ranks in the Central Division.

Next: No. 8

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