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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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Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) looks to move the ball during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Verizon Center. Minnesota Timberwolves defeated Washington Wizards 132-129 in double overtime.
Mar 25, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) looks to move the ball during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Verizon Center. Minnesota Timberwolves defeated Washington Wizards 132-129 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington Wizards: No. 8

The Chicago Bulls and Wizards will battle for the No. 8 seed down the stretch in the final week of the season. In the end, it’ll come down to distance shooting. Which team has the personnel to knock down three-pointers and place offensive pressure on the opponent?

Expect Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg to insert forward Nikola Mirotic in the starting lineup to offset the poor distance shooting among his top three players, Jimmy Butler, Dwyane Wade and Rondo. Forward Doug McDermott may also intermittently contribute a few shots beyond the arc per contest.

Next: New York Knicks: Wins Projection for 2017 Season

However, the Wizards’ backcourt will propel this team to enough wins to secure the final playoff spot. The major concern pertains to Beal’s health. If he plays 65-plus games, it’s a huge positive for a team that needs a running mate with Wall at the guard position.

Washington replaced Randy Wittman with Scott Brooks but kept its roster together. On the other hand, the Bulls must find a way to build on-court chemistry with three alpha-dog type players under an inexperienced head coach. Despite the big names joining forces in Chicago, the mixture may cause a nuclear explosion.

Beal signed a new five-year, $127 million deal, per spotrac.com, now he must pull through injuries and help deliver a playoff bid.

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