NBA Eastern Conference Playoff Predictions
The new NBA season will begin later this month, and people are already talking about the playoffs this season. So, here are the predictions for what teams from the eastern conference will be in the playoffs.
8th Seed: Chicago Bulls
Last year, the Chicago Bulls were one of the best teams in the eastern conference. But, injuries started to catch up with them. And going into this season, injuries are already hitting them with Lonzo Ball getting knee surgery. It is unclear when he will return.
One of the biggest reasons that the Bulls were so good last year was because of the stellar play of DeMar DeRozan. He might have played well, but it will be difficult for him to keep that up for another season.
The Bulls should make the playoffs, but it will be difficult for them to keep up with better teams in the conference.
7th Seed: Atlanta Hawks
With the Atlanta Hawks acquiring Dejounte Murray from the San Antonio Spurs this off-season, they should be a little bit better than last season. Murray should complement Trae Young pretty well, and he should make Atlanta’s offense even stronger.
But, their defense will be holding them back. Their defense was awful last season, and it doesn’t look like there will be much improvement on the defensive side of the ball.
The Hawks should be good, but their poor defense will hurt them against strong defensive teams.
6th Seed: Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets are one of the most hyped up teams in the league. But, it doesn’t seem like there is a whole lot of chemistry in Brooklyn.
They acquired Ben Simmons from the Philadelphia 76ers late last season, so that could be a good thing if he gets some of his confidence back. And then, there is Kyrie Irving. Irving has gotten a reputation of being one of the most unreliable players in the league. If he can be on the court for most of the season, then Brooklyn can be really good, but it’s difficult to imagine Kyrie changing to becoming a consistent player.
Kevin Durant will still be one of the best players in the league, but we shouldn’t expect this team to amaze us. They haven’t really done that in the past few years, so we shouldn’t expect it now.
5th Seed: Cleveland Cavaliers
It looks like the Cleveland Cavaliers can take the next step this season. Their most notable acquisition was Donovan Mitchell in a trade, and Cleveland is looking young and hungry.
Darius Garland should continue to take the steps to becoming a superstar, Evan Mobley is a star in the making, and Jarrett Allen is still developing as a player.
Cleveland definitely has one of the brightest futures in the league, and there is no reason for them to have a poor season this year.
4th Seed: Miami Heat
This season, we should expect the former number one seed to fall off a little bit. This is an experienced team, so they will always find ways to win games.
Kyle Lowry isn’t the same player that he once was, but Jimmy Butler is going to be a vital piece for this team. If he has a bit of a down year, it could be difficult for Miami to recover. But, he should play well to give Miami a boost.
It will be very difficult for them to have the same success as they did last year, but assuming they make the playoffs, they will be a tough team to beat.
3rd Seed: Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers should have a very successful year this season. James Harden had a bit of a tough year last season, but he is still a great player.
Joel Embiid should continue to be an MVP candidate, and Tyrese Maxey should make the next step in his career.
There’s a lot of talent on this team, and we can expect them to be a problem for other teams this season.
2nd Seed: Boston Celtics
The reigning eastern conference champions have only gotten better this off-season. They added Malcolm Brogdon to their roster via a trade, and he should be a solid piece for Boston.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown should continue to be one of the best duos in the league, and they now know what it takes to get to the NBA Finals. Their defense is still stellar, too.
The Celtics are strong in just about every aspect of their game, and they should be a powerhouse again this season.
1st Seed: Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are undoubtedly one of the best teams in the league when they are healthy. But, injuries are a bit of a problem for them.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is arguably the best player in the league, and he will now have Khris Middleton back to help him out a little bit. Milwaukee got eliminated by Boston in seven games last season, but Milwaukee was without Khris Middelton due to an injury. If Middleton was healthy, the Bucks might have been able to get by Boston. If health is on Milwaukee’s side, then they should be the clear cut favorite to be number one seed in the eastern conference.
