It’s been two years since a team in the east has taken home a championship. In response, the top teams added more stars and roster depth. The conference still has a high number of teams that can make deep playoff runs similar to last years. Cleveland is close to a breakout season. Chicago and Miami desperately want a championship. Boston, Milwaukee and Philadelphia view anything less than a finals appearance a failure. It’ll be a fun and competitive regular season.
It’s time to break down which eight teams in the eastern conference have the best chance of getting into the playoffs.
Milwaukee Bucks
Damian Lillard, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton will be one of the league’s best trios. Plus they have a new coach in Adrian Griffin. Milwaukee could be the best team in the league this season.
Boston Celtics
The Celtics added roster depth by trading for Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday. Boston needed a point guard who can play lock-down defense and a younger center who specializes in scoring. They’re the clear number two in the east.
Miami Heat
The Heat may have a season similar to 2021. In that year, the roster was the same as 2020’s when they went to the Finals, but Miami played tired most of the season. A strong second half should get them into the playoffs.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The best team in the central division not named Milwaukee. Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell are a great guard duo while Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen and Max Straus keep maturing. One of the more deeper and funner teams.
Atlanta Hawks
The biggest upgrade for Atlanta was the late season hiring of Quin Snyder in early 2023. The Hawks played better despite an early postseason exit. Expect a consistent winning culture and continued growth led by a calmer voice on the bench.
Philadelphia 76ers
Their main issue right now is when James Harden will play (if he ever does) once the season starts. It’s possible Philadelphia trades him back to Houston since he doesn’t want to be involved with the team. Distraction aside, P.J. Tucker, Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris and reigning MVP Joel Embiid will make sure the Sixers punch their playoff ticket.
New York Knicks
The top six teams are seen as locks to make the postseason barring injuries. New York is a solid seventh option due to coach Tom Thibodeau installing the play-hard attitude into his team. There’s also a good amount of talent with Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle as the cornerstones. The signing of Donte DiVincenzo might be one of the most underrated additions this offseason.
Chicago Bulls
The Pacers, Wizards, Pistons, Nets and Hornets won’t be playoff contenders this season. That leaves Chicago, Orlando and Toronto as the remaining three options. Orlando is still a young team that’s close to a breakout season out and surprising many viewers. Toronto could be sellers at the trade deadline. The Bulls have the most talent and best coach of all three teams listed, and this should be enough to get them into the playoffs. They will need better efforts from Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu and Dalen Terry for that to happen.
Play-in losing teams: Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors
2022-2023 Eastern conference prediction record: 8-2
JD's Sportscorner 
Great as always and thanks for Sharing and Supporting.
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The Sixers are a pleasant surprise. Addition by subtraction, unloading Harden and getting better in the process. Great scouting article,my friend.
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The coaching change working wonders right now. Thanks for the read and seeing some of the same things I have before and during the season.
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Of course! The coaching change, why did I miss that? You’re absolutely right, it made. Helluva difference. Thanks for that! 😊👍🏼
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