The NBA season is upon us once again and it is set to be one of the most even title races in a while. With all-stars, Donovan Mitchell and Dejounte Murray moving east, the quest for the Eastern Conference title will be a dog fight. So here are my Eastern Conference predictions for the 2022-23 season.
15. Indiana Pacers
The Pacers are rebuilding and there's no other way to put it. Getting rid of Domantas Sabonis and Malcolm Brogdon, it will be tough for the current roster to fill that void immediately. Especially playing a competitive Eastern Conference, the Pacers should reset and aim for a high lottery pick.
14. Charlotte Hornets
It’s a far cry from where they finished last season but without LaMelo Ball for at least the start of the season, Charlotte will get off to a shaky start. Considering Miles Bridges is facing domestic violence charges and could be out indefinitely, it will be tough for the Hornets to recover once Ball returns.
13. New York Knicks
Don't you just love the Knicks? Whenever they have their opportunity to snag a big-name player, they always find a way to squander that chance. Jazz guard, Donovan Mitchell was on their front doorstep, but the Knicks somehow managed to screw that up. Instead they had to settle for Jalen Brunson. It will be interesting to see what they do, but expect them to be towards the bottom of the table.
12. Orlando Magic
After finishing at the bottom of the Eastern Conference last year, this is a bit of a jump for Orlando Magic. However, drafting Paolo Banchero was exactly what it needed going into this season. Together with Cole Anthony, expect the Magic to play some entertaining basketball and even get a few wins on the board.
11. Washington Wizards
The Wizards are in an interesting position. With Beal, Porzingis, and Kuzma, they have the talent required to reach the playoffs. However, the supporting cast around them is mediocre. If they can make a play for a star before the trade deadline, they can without a doubt push for a playoff spot.
10. Detroit Pistons
I don't believe it either, I have the Pistons making the wildcard round. Looking for their first playoff berth since 2019, their young core finally has what it takes to do some damage. Cade Cunningham should have a breakout season, while the inclusion of Bojan Bogdanovic should provide some much-needed support on the wing.
9. Toronto Raptors
Despite not having the personnel of a championship team, the Raptors always find a way to make their way to the top of the Eastern Conference. However with more competition this season, they face the tough task of completing the feat once again. Scottie Barnes is developing into a great player but it's still a couple of years too early for him to be the match-winner that is needed.
8. Chicago Bulls
Impacted by an early injury to Lonzo Ball last season, the Chicago Bulls didn't realise their full potential as they were knocked out by the Milwaukee Bucks in five games in the first round. Although Ball will miss the first part of the season, I expect them to go nuclear when he comes back. Welcoming Andre Drummond into the team, the Bulls will have experience in the frontcourt to help them win big games.
7. Philadelphia 76ers
While they have been contenders in the Eastern Conference for a few years now, expect the 76ers to be a dark horse this season. Headlined by James Harden and Joel Embiid, you can never count Philly out of the race. Role players such as Matisse Thybulle and Tyrese Maxey will have breakout seasons and be the reason Philadelphia goes deep into the playoffs, despite their predicted regular season position.
James Harden.
(NBA)
6. Atlanta Hawks
Crashing out in the first round of the playoffs last season, the Hawks have been starving for that second star to complement Trae Young. Enter Dejounte Murray. Single-handedly getting the Spurs into the wildcard round in the 2021 season, Murray and Young will be a formidable duo.
5. Brooklyn Nets
A Nets side that plays host to two established stars and an emerging talent looks good on paper, but the dynamic seems too good to be true. KD and Kyrie couldn’t make it work when Harden was on board, so replacing Harden with a dysfunctional Ben Simmons doesn’t look to have solved the problem. However, they are talented enough to be contending hence the prediction to finish fifth.
4. Miami Heat
This Miami Heat outfit seems to always be around the mark. Led by Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, the Heat should be at their relentless best once again. Losing to the Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals last season, Miami will give itself ample opportunity this season to go one better.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers
This might seem like a surprise given the competition in the Eastern Conference, but the Cavs are brewing something dangerous that will take the NBA by storm. The backcourt of Darius Garland and the newly signed Donovan Mitchell might cast some doubt, however this duo will be deadly. A frontcourt which includes Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen will also cause some problems for opposition teams.
2. Milwaukee Bucks
Consistent over the last couple of seasons, the 2020 champions will be a threat again this season. With Khris Middleton back after his wrist injury late last season, expect the Bucks to be in full force.
1. Boston Celtics
Collectively this team has gotten even better. Fresh off their finals loss to the Golden State Warriors, the Celtics bolstered their line-up, bringing in Pacer’s guard, Malcolm Brogdon and six-time all-star, Blake Griffin. It goes without saying that Ime Udoka’s absence will impact the team, but with assistant coach, Joe Mazzulla taking over the reins, this should hopefully be a seamless transition.
Boston Celtics will be right up there again this season.
(ESPN)
Eastern Conference Playoff Bracket:
Wildcard:
7) 76ers v 8) Bulls
9) Raptors v 10) Pistons
8) Bulls v 9) Raptors
Playoffs:
1) Celtics v 8) Bulls 4-1
4) Heat v 5) Nets 4-2
3) Cavaliers v 6) Hawks 4-2
2) Bucks v 7) 76ers 4-3
1) Celtics v 4) Heat 4-3
3) Cavaliers v 7) 76ers 4-2
1) Celtics v 7) 76ers 4-2
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