One-sentence progress reports for all 30 NBA teams as they enter the home stretch
By Cal Durrett
Southeast Division
Miami Heat: An under-the-radar buyout signing and a recent scuffle in New Orleans show that the Heat have plenty of fight left in them and are 10-3 in their last 13 games.
Orlando Magic: After a roller coaster season that started off with a high followed by a low, the Magic have the easiest schedule remaining and could push for the fifth seed in the East.
Atlanta Hawks: With all-star Trae Young out for at least a month, the Hawks have little incentive to play hard with them out of play-in contention and they could use this time to improve their lottery odds in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Charlotte Hornets: The Hornets have a promising young core of LaMelo Ball, Mark Williams, and Brandon Miller, but they are banking on another high lottery pick to finally get back on the right track.
Washington Wizards: Washington's 14-game losing streak is the longest active streak in the NBA and they have finally surpassed the Pistons for the worst record in the league. They could certainly use the top pick since they are devoid of talent.