From Dennis Velasco,
Your Guide to Basketball.
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It's a back and forth struggle, but who will win the irrelevant 8th spot in the East? Does it really matter if they do?

Dan: I think Orlando will make the 8th spot. They are currently 1.5 games up on Indiana and New York and only 1.5 games back from New Jersey. And while their last several games aren't a cakewalk, they are playing teams they can beat. Does it really matter? Not really. There's a huge difference between the top 2-3 teams in the East and the 6-8 teams in the East.

Dave: Making the playoffs doesn’t make you good in the NBA. 50 wins a better barometer. But I think the Nets probably hold on by a thread.

Ryan: I never thought I'd be writing this but I think the Knicks have the best chance because they have a legit big man in Eddy Curry, they are enjoying strong guard play with the return of Steve Francis and the return of David Lee provides them with a spark for the stretch run.