Brooklyn Nets have fifth-best playoff odds in the Eastern Conference
The Brooklyn Nets (12-9) have dealt with a number of injuries to important players in the rotation ever since the season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers, including a concerning back issue with star point guard Ben Simmons. Despite the tough opening schedule and litany of injuries, the Nets and their fanbase have one more reason to be optimistic.
According to Basketball Reference‘s Playoff Possibilities Report as of the writing of this article, Brooklyn has the fifth-best odds (88.2%) in the Eastern Conference of making the playoffs. Per Basketball Reference, the “probabilities are empirical estimates based on simulating the remainder of the season 7500 times.”
In the model, the Nets would finish behind the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, and Milwaukee Bucks while finishing ahead of the Indiana Pacers. This is interesting news given that most in the NBA world expected Brooklyn to either miss the playoffs completely or have to make the postseason through the Play-In Tournament.
The Nets have an upcoming five-game west coast road trip in which they face three teams that should make the Western Conference playoffs, including the reigning NBA champion Denver Nuggets. Also, the aforementioned Simmons and bench scorer Lonnie Walker IV (left hamstring strain) will not be playing on the road trip.
The Brooklyn Nets having the 5th-highest odds in the Eastern Conference to make the playoffs is something I'm not sure many people expected before this season started. The Nets getting there despite the injuries that they've dealt with so far is impressive as well. https://t.co/UlvRXnNv8X
— Sharif Phillips-Keaton (@SharifKeaton) December 10, 2023
