NBA 2018-19: Eastern Conference playoff picture prediction

6th seed: Washington Wizards

One of the best backcourts in the NBA

John Wall needs to stay healthy for this to be true. Trading away Marcin Gortat for Austin Rivers will help with the apparent locker room problems that surfaced this past season, and Rivers will be able to provide some scoring for the second unit.

The Wizards have one of the best backcourts in the league with John Wall and Bradley Beal. I think John Wall is a top 5 point guard in the league, just his health has been a concern his entire career. Both him and Beal are easy locks for the All-Star team next year.

What is the biggest x-factor for the team will be Dwight Howard. Dwight has fallen off since his days in Orlando, and he has become a journeyman. After two disappointing seasons in Atlanta and Houston, he had a pretty solid year in Charlotte averaging 16.6 points and 12.5 rebounds per game.

His passing and desire to win have constantly been questioned, if the Wizards want to take that next step in the playoffs they need Dwight to play at the same or even better level then he did in Charlotte. He also isn't getting any younger, which may be a concern.

Overall Washington should be a lock to make the playoffs, it's just a question of health and whether players like Otto Porter and Dwight Howard can elevate their game in comparison to years past to push the Wizards deep in the playoffs.