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Eastern Conference chaos paving way for Washington Wizards playoff berth

By Collin Loring

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 12: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 12, 2020 in New York City. The Wizards defeated the Knicks 114-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 12: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 12, 2020 in New York City. The Wizards defeated the Knicks 114-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

Short of Star Power

For the Brooklyn Nets, it was never about this season–but the next. But as is the case with the Washington Wizards’ John Wall, there was always hope Kevin Durant would return this season, and help push them through the playoffs next to Kyrie Irving.

But now, Durant has ruled out any return for this season, on his latest episode of the Boardroom. To make matters even worse for Brooklyn, Irving has opted for season-ending surgery on the same shoulder that’s caused him to miss 33 games this season.

Shams Charania of the Athletic was first with the report:

Now, the Nets face their final 29-game stretch without both of their top two players.

Nonetheless, one can’t disregard Brooklyn’s success without either player this season. Durant has yet to suit up for the 28-23 Nets, and they’re 13-15 without Irving this year. Spencer Dinwiddie has played a large role for them yet again this season, but will it be enough?

light. Related Story. If the playoffs are Plan A for the Wizards, what's Plan B?

If you look to the Nets supporting cast, the next man up is Caris LeVert, who’s disappointed this year in his own way: attendance. LeVert has played only 28 games this year, and started in only half of them, after getting surgery on one of his thumbs.

Are those two enough to keep Brooklyn afloat the rest of the season in the playoff race? No one’s questioning whether they’ll make the playoffs, but could they finish as low as eighth?

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