Less than a month now separates us from the start of the 2015-16 NBA regular season. While the Cleveland Cavaliers are again expected to be the class of the Eastern Conference, there are a number of teams that earned lottery picks a season ago, looking to be playing basketball in May. Here’s a look at which seven teams that missed the playoffs in the East last season are most likely to be in that field this year:
1. Indiana Pacers
Despite having superstar Paul George miss 76 games a year ago, the Pacers finished just one game short of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. This year, George will have a legitimate No. 2 scorer by his side in Monta Ellis. The team also made an emphasis to become more athletic in the frontcourt by replacing David West and Roy Hibbert with Jordan Hill and Lavoy Allen while drafting former Texas standout Myles Turner.
2. Miami Heat
The Miami Heat have a roster that would indicate it should be among the best teams in the East, but Miami woefully underachieved a season ago. Forwards Chris Bosh and Luol Deng did miss significant time, but if they can stay healthy, the Heat could have one of the conference’s best starting fives. Re-signing Goran Dragic will bring stability to the other guard position next to Dwyane Wade. Center Hassan Whiteside came on strong last year and the addition of swingman Gerald Green could do wonders for the team’s depth.
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