NBA Eastern Conference, Tips and Previews
Atlantic Division
Celtics
There is plenty of star power across the east with every chance this division provides the championship winner.
But there is just as much of the unknown as Philadelphia and Brooklyn still try to find where they sit after a monster trade last year that saw James Harden and Ben Simmons swap teams.
Simmons and the Nets possibly carry the biggest question mark in the league, with the precocious Australian talent not having played a game for more than a year and a half. Surrounded by Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, there is as much talent as there is uncertainty around Brooklyn, and it would be wise to steer clear of them in any market.
Boston looks strong here, having added some quality depth to a team led by stars Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. Don’t let the controversy around their coach deter you. The Celtics could be set to go one step better than last year and come away with the title.
Toronto looks like a shadow of the team that won the championship only a few years ago, while New York seems set for another year of promise matched by disappointment.
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Central Division
Cavaliers
Milwaukee has been the dominant team of this division for the past five years and that looks to be no chance of stopping any time soon. With Giannis Antetokounmpo at the absolute peak of his powers, the Bucks are in championship contention again. Off-season injury woes to Khris Middleton might mean a slow start for the Bucks, but they will be back at their best in no time.
Their biggest threat in this division is Cleveland who are well advanced in the post-LeBron era with one of the most impressive young rosters in the game, boosted by the off-season acquisition of Donovan Mitchell. The Cavs had some excellent runs last season and will upset some of the NBA’s old guard as they look to return to the playoffs for the first time in five years.
Chicago will benefit from its short-lived playoffs experience last year while Detroit and Indiana are very much making up the numbers this season.
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Southeast
Heat
The Heat have been one of the most consistent teams of recent seasons and look set to challenge once again. Jimmy Butler leads his team as well as anyone but will need support from veteran Kyle Lowry, especially after the off-season departure of PJ Tucker. But having gone to game seven of the Eastern Conference finals last season, Miami will definitely be a force once again this year.
Their biggest threat in this division is Atlanta, and more specifically Trae Young who has come along in leaps and bounds and approaching his fifth season in the league is now in the top bracket of NBA players while the Hawks will be boosted by the acquisition of Dejounte Murray after giving up a host of assets for the former San Antonio star.
A vastly improving LaMelo Ball should see some positive signs for Charlotte but he doesn’t have the supporting cast around him yet for them to be taken too seriously.
