After a disappointing 2013 for D.C. fans, it’s surprising that the historically lowly Wizards are the team bringing the excitement of the playoffs back to the nation’s capital.

Yet here they are, facing off against the Chicago Bulls, just one year after a bottom five finish in the Eastern Conference.

Despite their impressive regular season accomplishments, the Wizards don’t have what it takes to knock off Eastern Conference powerhouses such as the Heat or Pacers. Although the Wizards showed promise in their series opener against Chicago, it’s too early to think that the Wizards have a chance of making the Finals this year.

The Wizards enter the playoffs with a record of 44-38, strong enough for fifth in the East. Looking to make it to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2005, they topped Chicago on Sunday night, 102-93, with a strong performance from superstar point guard John Wall. Wall, who averaged a team-leading 19 points and nine assists this season, was crucial in the victory against the Bulls with 16 points and six assists.

Washington also took advantage of its large players, with 6’11” Nene Hilario leading all scorers with 24 points and 8 rebounds and 6’11 Marcin Gortat putting up 15 points and 13 boards.

Their defense looked solid as well, with five blocks and 10 take-aways on the night. If the Wizards continue playing at a high level as they did throughout the regular season, they have a good chance of taking their opening playoff series.

However, if the Wizards win their series against the Bulls, they will likely face the top-seeded Indiana Pacers. Much like the Bulls, the Pacers are a stellar defensive team. In addition, the Pacers have clear superstar forward Paul George on offense and an advantage in rebounding and bench play that the Bulls lack.

The two-seeded Miami Heat are also poised for a run in the East, and their star-filled roster can easily handle most competition.

Like much of the team’s roster, Wizards head coach Randy Wittman will be making his first playoff appearance this year. While it’s too early to judge how his management will function in the playoffs, his resume isn’t too impressive—in his career as a head coach, Wittman has nearly 150 more losses than wins.

Given that the team lacks veteran leadership, their youth and inexperience will likely catch up with them.

But the future is bright for the Wizards. With budding stars such as Wall, Bradley Beal, and Gortat returning next season, the Wizards will be a force to be reckoned with.

As great as it would be for Washington to make a run in their first playoff appearance in six years, it looks like it isn’t going to happen. In an Eastern Conference stacked at the top with multiple superstars, the Wizards’ chances of making a deep playoff run should be considered slim at best.