The East were the kings of the NBA last season, starring the Philadelphia 76ers, led by Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, the Brooklyn Nets, led by the Big Three in Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden, and the Milwaukee Bucks won the NBA championship led by Giannis and Khris Middleton. But now things are wacky, and here are my picks to get into the NBA playoffs in the Eastern Conference.
1. Brooklyn Nets
The Nets are too good, even for the east. Last year they finished with the second seed in the East and were picked by many to win the chip. But injuries crushed the Nets, they lost Kyrie Irving, James Harden, and LaMarcus Aldridge. Without them, they lost in a heartbreaking second round 4-3 against Milwaukee. This year, there are questions looming about Kyrie Irving not being able to play due to vaccination status. Kyrie is the type of guy to miss games for weird reasons. But I think he’ll be back for the Nets and they will dominate the East once again. If injuries don’t stop them.
2. Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks won their first NBA championship in fifty years, led by Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who had an out of this world finals performance. The Bucks are back in action this year too, but they're struggling lately. I'm not worried though, for they have most of their talent back this year. Jrue Holiday is looking to make the 1st All-Defensive Team, Khris Middleton is looking to make his second All-Star appearance, and Giannis is looking to win his third MVP and second Finals MVP. In the playoffs last year, the Bucks took advanedge of the top teams injuries, but Donte DiVincenzo got injured in the first round. They have him back this year. I think the Bucks will go places this year.
3. New York Knicks
This is definitely my most bold prediction, but the Knicks are actually good! Coming off a dream season in being the four seed in the east, but losing to the Atlanta Hawks in the first round, the Knicks are ready to dig even deeper. Led by last year's Most Improved Player Julius Randle, a star power forward who averaged a double-double last season, RJ Barret, a young shooting guard who is improving his game before our eyes, especially his three point shot, and Derrick Rose, the veteran point guard and team leader reviving his career. The Knicks made some big moves though, signing key bench players in Alec Burks and Nerlens Noel. They also added All-Star point guard Kemba Walker, who is clashing with Rose for minutes, and shooting guard Evan Fournier, who averaged twenty points last year.
4. Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers are still trusting “The Process” which has failed them year after year. Led by Joel Embiid, the 76ers finished first in the east last year. But this year, Ben Simmons is absent from games, and the Sixers are fining the point guard. Without Simmons they’re still first in the east currently, but I think the 76ers will miss him. Players have stepped up to help the pain. Seth Curry, who had a breakout season last year, is averaging seventeen points per game. Joel Embiid is doing everything he can, and the front office is trying to get Simmons back. But for now, time will tell.
5. Chicago Bulls
Chicago is looking like they did a decade ago with a nice record. They made some big moves last year, trading for All-Star center Nikola Vucevic, All-Star shooting guard DeMar DeRozan, and a solid point guard in Lonzo Ball. The Bulls started the season 6-0 for the first time in a while. They are currently 7-3 and are third in the east. They're ready to make a breakout year.
6. Miami Heat
Bring up the heat in Miami! The Heat made some big moves the past year, adding shooting guard Victor Oladipo, who is currently out with a knee injury, and All-Star point guard Kyle Lowry, who is struggling, averaging only ten points a game. Jimmy Butler(A.K.A Jimmy Buckets), is playing very well, averaging twenty five points per game and is an MVP candidate early. The Heat will probably put together the puzzle and make the playoffs.
7. Washington Wizards
To Westbrook, no problem. The Wizards traded star point guard Russel Westbrook to the Lakers for Kyle Kuzma, Montrez Harrell, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. These players are stepping up for the squad, as Pope is averaging nine points, Kuzma is averaging fourteen points and thriving in Washington, and Harrell is averaging seventeen points. Westbrook is also struggling in LA, so the Wizards are feeling like they won that trade.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs are a surprise team of youngsters, third in the east without leader power forward Kevin Love. Evan Mobley has been playing unbelievably in his first season in the pros, averaging fifteen points per game and is leading the league in contested shots. Ricky Rubio, a veteran point guard for the Cavs, recently EXPLODED with thirty-seven points, ten assists, and a eight of eight three point shot performance off the bench. Rubio is averaging fourteen points as well. The Cavs are good, but they lack the experience to go that far. Plus the fact that they lost point guard Colin Sexton to a torn meniscus against the Knicks, and his timeline to return is a mystery, and is a big blow to them. I think they will be ousted in the first round.
Next: My Imaginary Playoffs
Resources:
Washington Wizards Roster | ESPN
Cleveland Cavaliers Roster | ESPN