3 Things To Watch For As Season Draws End(Eastern Conference)

As we approach yet another fun and thrilling end to yet another NBA season, we have hit the home stretch in the 2013-2014 season. This stretch will have a ton of story lines to look for. As we first take a look at the Eastern Conference, we will dissect some of the most intriguing things to look for as the season draws an end:

1. Can Miami gain back its momentum in the final stretch?

The Miami Heat have had a tough stretch late here in the season. After losing seven of their last eleven games, the team has found themselves in one of their roughest times in quite some time. Not only have the fans been displeased with the team's performance, but LeBron James and Chris Bosh have both expressed their disgust in the team's performance as of late. They have said that there should not be any excuses made whatsoever, and they simply have to be better. Despite their rough stretch, the Heat only sit three games out of the top seed in the Eastern Conference, but still have time to regain that spot by the season's end. The Heat cannot afford to head into the playoffs with a tough stretch. Although, the Heat are the two-time defending champions, there is no excuse for taking time off especially at this point in the season. Can the Heat show what they are worth as they gear to win their third straight championship?

2. The Atlantic Division race

The Atlantic has now become a two-team race between the Toronto Raptors and the Brooklyn Nets. While many people wrote the Nets off after a 10-21 start to the season, the team has gone 27-10 since the New Year and placed themselves as the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference, and only find themselves 1.5 games out of first in the Atlantic Division. Toronto has really caught many teams by surprise this season, and will be heading to a playoff berth. Can the Nets continue their surge to not only make the playoffs, but win their division as well to solidify home-court advantage? There is no doubt that the Nets love playing at the Barclays Center, so home-court advantage would only help this team's chances of making some serious noise in the playoffs. This is where teams must dig deep, and the Nets have certainly done so. Can the Raptors continue their strong level of play all the way through the playoffs? It will definitely be a fun 10+ games to watch from here on out!

3. The Knicks' quiet quest for 8th place

The Knicks have quietly been on a surge as of late by going 8-2 in their last ten games. Their streak has put them only three games out of the 8th seed currently held by the Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks have declined as the season progressed, and are now trying to stay alive for the final playoff spot in the East. It will be interesting to see how the Knicks play down the stretch. There is no question that the Pacers/Heat would much rather play the Hawks than the Knicks. Despite the Knicks struggles this season, they can very much make a series interesting. The Hawks simply do not have that factor to be a threat in a seven-game series, and the Knicks, although depleted, can keep their hopes alive. The Knicks must stay consistent, because time is no longer on their side, and every game from here on is crucial.

There are many more story lines to watch for as the season draws a conclusion. Are there any headlines you are most curious in watching? Drop your headlines in the comment section below! 

Follow me on twitter: @a_santiago1517

--

Thanks for reading!