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NBA Playoffs Seeding Predictions for the 2016-17 NBA Season

By Weldon Jones

May 22, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) defends during the second quarter in game three of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
May 22, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) defends during the second quarter in game three of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver (26) and forward Kent Bazemore (24) celebrate against the Boston Celtics during the second half in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver (26) and forward Kent Bazemore (24) celebrate against the Boston Celtics during the second half in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks were a good team last year. They just do not match up well against the Cleveland Cavaliers. They were swept in the second round of the NBA Playoffs by Lebron James and his crew for the second year in a row.

That does not take away from the fact that they beat just about every other team in the Eastern Conference. The Hawks will always be in the NBA Playoffs. This year should be no different. While Al Horford did leave for the Celtics, the Atlanta Hawks still have a lot working in their favor.

They still have Paul Millsap, Dennis Schroder, Kyle Korver, Kent Bazemore, and other role players who showed improvement last season. Paul Millsap is a clear first option. Kyle Korver will have to return to form and he will get plenty of attempts in the upcoming season. Despite losing Al Horford, the Hawks will convincingly win 50 plus games this season.

The Atlanta Hawks have added a Star Center in Dwight Howard. Paul Millsap will have more help on the defensive end with this signing. The Hawks front office was very wise for drafting Taurean Prince. He is the perfect replacement for Demarre Carroll. He will fit nicely in a role this season, even with bench minutes.

Kent Bazemore is showing steady improvement and that should translate into 2016 as well. Kyle Korver is now 100 percent healthy. This means he should return to form and be a good second or third option on Offense. The Hawks have some good young talent on the roster. Everything points to the Hawks being an elite team in the East. Mike Budenholzer is also an elite Head Coach and has done great things in his time with Atlanta. Atlanta will enter the playoffs as a 5th seed and win at least 50 games.

Next: Eastern Conference Seed no.4: New York Knicks

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