The Eastern Conference playoff race appears to be down to 10 teams, with the Pistons in the hunt for one of the bottom four of eight spots.

With Philadelphia 8-3 in its past 11 games and Washington seemingly in the hunt because of Michael Jordan, there's a logjam of East teams near .500.

Barring major injuries or flops, New Jersey, Boston, Milwaukee and Toronto appear in great shape to host a first-round series.

The Pistons, Orlando, Washington and Philly all are one game over .500 -- followed closely by Indiana (23-23) and Charlotte (20-23). The Pistons play at Washington on Tuesday.

Pistons coach Rick Carlisle didn't want to suggest how many victories it would take to make the playoffs or speculate on other teams.

"I have no idea. . . . I guess you could make the playoffs with a .500 record," Carlisle said. "Some of these teams have had injury problems and others have not. We're not fully healthy. We've had some man-games missed; Jerry (Stackhouse) has missed some games, Dana (Barros). I don't know what number is going to make it or not make it.