Lebron James and the Cavs are fighting for the top seed in the Eastern Conference. (Getty)
It is hard to believe but 30% of the NBA season has already been completed. The East is defined by parity while the West is led by the Warriors and Spurs. Between the Warriors quest to break the 72-win mark along with the close playoff race in both conferences, the NBA is shaping up to have an exciting finish. Heavy breaks down all the division races and takes an early look at the playoff race. Keep in mind the NBA restructured the playoff format. Seeding is only based on overall record not division winners.
Here is a look at the Eastern Conference standings:
Atlantic
The Raptors have a two-game lead in the Atlantic. (Getty)
1. Toronto Raptors
Record: 16-10 Current Seed in the East: 5th
2. Boston Celtics
Record: 14-12 Current Seed in the East: 10th
3. New York Knicks
Record: 12-14 Current Seed in the East: 11th
4. Brooklyn Nets
Record: 7-18 Current Seed in the East: 14th
5. Philadelphia 76ers
Record: 1-26 Current Seed in the East: 15th
Central
The Cavs are the leaders in the Central division. (Getty)
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
Record: 16-7 Current Seed in the East: 1st
2. Chicago Bulls
Record: 15-8 Current Seed in the East: 2nd
3. Indiana Pacers
Record: 15-9 Current Seed in the East: 3rd
4. Detroit Pistons
Record: 15-12 Current Seed in the East: 8th
5. Milwaukee Bucks
Record: 10-17 Current Seed in the East: 13th
Southeast
The Miami Heat are the leaders of the Southeast. (Getty)
1. Miami Heat
Record: 15-9 Current Seed in the East: 4th
2. Charlotte Hornets
Record: 14-10 Current Seed in the East: 6th
3. Orlando Magic
Record: 14-11 Current Seed in the East: 7th
4. Atlanta Hawks
Record: 15-12 Current Seed in the East: 9th
5. Washington Wizards
Record: 10-14 Current Seed in the East: 12th
Eastern Conference Playoff Picture
The Cavs have a narrow lead at the top of the Eastern Conference. (Getty)
The difference between the first and the tenth seed in the Eastern Conference is 3.5 games. It is a very close race early on with a number of teams bunched together from three to ten. The Cavaliers find themselves at the top of the Eastern standings but only lead the Bulls by one game.
Here is a look at the Eastern Conference playoff standings:
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (16-7)
2. Chicago Bulls (15-8)
3. Indiana Pacers (15-9)
4. Miami Heat (15-9)
5. Toronto Raptors (16-10)
6. Charlotte Hornets (14-10)
7. Orlando Magic (14-11)
8. Detroit Pistons (15-12)
Click the next page button to see the Western Conference standings and the current playoff seeding.