The Boston Celtics broke the eastern conference two year championship drought and won the 2023-24 title. In response, the top teams added more stars and roster depth. The conference outside of Boston has a lot of teams that can make deep playoff runs similar to last year. Indianapolis could have another breakout season. New York and Miami desperately want a championship. Cleveland, Milwaukee and Philadelphia view anything less than a conference finals appearance a failure. It’ll be a fun and competitive regular season.
Time to break down which eight teams in the east have the best chance of making the playoffs.
Boston Celtics
The reigning champs kept most of their deep roster. Boston will make the playoffs even if injuries are a factor. No other NBA team has this luxury.
Milwaukee Bucks
There are concerns over how Milwaukee improves with coach Doc Rivers and chemistry between Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Luckily the Bucks have more than enough talent to clinch a top six seed.
New York Knicks
The Knicks made a bold trade sending Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to Minnesota for Karl-Anthony Towns. The former first overall pick will have an interesting time learning coach Tom Thibodeau’s defense while giving the offense consistent scoring.
Miami Heat
Franchise star forward Jimmy Butler will lead a healthier Heat team into the postseason as long as Erik Spoelstra is the coach.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers rode the league’s best offense to the conference finals and came up short in three of their four losses to eventual champion Boston. Viewers are excited to see how coach Rick Carlisle and his roster replicate last season’s success with the franchise stars signed long-term.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland’s another year better and closer to having their franchise stars in their prime. Last year’s postseason elimination taught them how to play more physical against better defenses, rebound better and the importance of second chance scoring opportunities. The Cavaliers will be tested by veteran teams but have enough talent to make the postseason.
Orlando Magic
Orlando’s 2023-24 season was predictable. The Magic are a rising team with a lot of young talent learning how to win. Signing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was a good addition at shooting guard. Depth at center and power forward will help throughout the year.
Philadelphia 76ers
Although Philadelphia lost Tobias Harris in free agency, Paul George, Kelly Oubre and Reggie Jackson are the needed guard and forward depth that should take all the scoring pressure off center and former league MVP Joel Embiid.
Play-in losing teams: Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks
JD's Sportscorner 
Nice read
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