A Breakdown of Eastern Conference Playoff Outlook for Sixers

The Sixers are fighting to lock in home-court advantage in the postseason. That quest could be just as affected by their Eastern Conference opponents as their own wins and losses.

Let's take a look at the remaining schedule of the top-eight teams in the East and how those games and injuries could impact the playoffs. 

1. Raptors (53-19)
• Top-eight Eastern Conference opponents: Celtics (2), Cavs, Pacers, Heat

• Top-eight Western Conference opponents: None

The Raptors have a 4½-game lead over the Celtics, a distance that should be enough to lock up the No. 1 seed because of the Celtics injuries (see below). 

2. Celtics (48-23)
• Top-eight Eastern Conference opponents: Raptors (2), Bucks, Wizards

• Top-eight Western Conference opponents: Trail Blazers, Jazz

The Celtics' playoff future is left hinging on the health of Kyrie Irving, who is seeking a second opinion for a nagging knee issue. Marcus Smart is eyeing a return for the playoffs after undergoing thumb surgery.

3. Cavaliers (42-29)
• Top-eight Eastern Conference opponents: Raptors, Heat, Wizards, Sixers 

• Top-eight Western Conference opponents: Pelicans

LeBron James has sat toward the end of the regular season to gear up for the playoffs, which could impact the standings in the final games if the Cavs cannot win without him.

4. Sixers (40-30)
• Top-eight Eastern Conference opponents: Cavaliers, Bucks

• Top-eight Western Conference opponents: Timberwolves

The Sixers' schedule is packed with sub-.500 teams, putting their hunt for home-court advantage in their own hands to grab.

5. Pacers (41-31)
• Top-eight Eastern Conference opponents: Heat, Raptors

• Top-eight Western Conference opponents: Warriors (2)

The Pacers' remaining schedule is unforgiving, including a West Coast road trip with a stop in Oakland. 

6. Wizards (40-31)
• Top-eight Eastern Conference opponents: Cavaliers, Celtics 

• Top-eight Western Conference opponents: Spurs, Rockets

The Wizards have turned heads with their success in spite of the absence of John Wall. How his return impacts the team is worth watching.

7. Heat (39-33)
• Top-eight Eastern Conference opponents: Pacers, Cavaliers, Raptors

• Top-eight Western Conference opponents: Thunder (2)

Keep an eye on the Heat's two games against the Thunder, including one on the road, as OKC vies for home court in a Western Conference race.

8. Bucks (37-34)
• Top-eight Eastern Conference opponents: Celtics, Sixers 

• Top-eight Western Conference opponents: Spurs, Warriors

The Bucks' final game of the regular season in Philadelphia could shake up the Eastern Conference seedings on April 11.