The competition is all time high in the Eastern Conference. Boston look to come back from their last year’s finals loss, Brooklyn looks stronger this year. Miami gearing up for another competitive season , Milwaukee Bucks look to regain control in the east, Philadelphia with a determined James Harden, Cleveland with Donovan Mitchell, Toronto Raptors are constant performers are the favorite’s from the east. Here are Sportz18 Eastern Conference Predictions.
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1.Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland is entering this years NBA 2022-23 season as one of the youngest core team. Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, Jarett Allen, Donovan Mitchell all young and future stars. Kevin Love, Ricky Rubio, Lamar Stevens, Dean Wade form the bench strength. My prediction is that Cleveland dominates the regular season and it could be the number 1 seed in Eastern Conference.
2. Boston Celtics
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The champions of NBA Eastern Conference Boston are gearing up for another season. Robert Williams will be unavailable due to injury for 3-5 weeks. Ime Udoka’s suspension for a year. Celtics signed Malcom Brogdon in the off season. Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum are the pillars of the team. My prediction is that Boston ends up at 2nd seed.
3. Philadelphia 76ers
Philly were the favorite’s to win the east the last season but lost to Miami. Philly has a strong core team and a determined James Harden looking to prove a point this regular season. Tyrese Maxey, James Harden on the offense and Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris backcourt defense make the team a strong contender.
4. Toronto Raptors
The Raptors are one of the most consistent teams in the NBA. Scottie Barnes is one of those bright stars for the raptors. Barnes has been a complete package he can shoot three pointers, collect rebounds, very good play maker and good on defense. Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby and Gary Trent are the potential starters. Chris Boucher, Precious Achiowa form the bench strength.
5. Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks exited in the very first round in the playoff’s last season. Bucks have a lot to work on this regular season. The team signed Australian Joe Inglis this off season. Donte DiVincenzo no longer part of the team. A lot rides on the trio of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Jure Holiday. Bucks are one of those teams who cares about the Playoff’s more than the regular season as they can easily qualify.
6. Miami Heat
Miami were so close from winning the east last season. Jimmy Butler in his prime, Victor Oladipo back from injury, Tyler Herro signing a contract extension. The heat checked all the boxes this off season. Heat drafted Nikola Jovic the youngest prospects and future of the franchise if he performs. Miami is one of the strongest defensive teams after Boston. I predict Miami will end at 6th seed in the Eastern Conference
7. Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn were humiliated by Boston in the last year’s playoff’s. Nets signed Royce’ O Neal, TJ Warren in the off season. Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving agreed to run it back this regular season. Ben Simmons is in a perfect team where he can play defense on the backcourt not worrying about the offense. Seth Curry, Kevin Durant are elite three point shooters and the team are one of the contenders to win in the Eastern Conference.
8. Chicago Bulls
Bulls were the top seed in Eastern Conference last season. Bulls fell apart in their last few regular season games. The injury of Lonzo Ball is a huge loss to the team. DeMar DeRozan had one of his best seasons in NBA. Zach Lavine, Alex Caruso, DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic and Patrick Williams are the probable starters.
9. Atlanta Hawks
Hawks signed Dejounte Murray this off season. Trae and Dejounte could be a perfect pick. Kevin Huerter didn’t sign a contract extension. A lot depends on Trae Young and Dejounte Murray if the hawks needs to make it to the playoff’s. I rated the Hawks at 9 as the team is better than Indiana, New York, Washington.
10. Washington Wizards
Washington has been performing in bits and pieces. Bradley Beal suffered injury in the regular season and missed the entire NBA 2021-2022. Monte Morris and Will Barton are part of the Wizards. The Wizards can sneak into the top 8 if Beal stays healthy or else the team has struggled without Beal.
Kristaps Porzingis is a perfect fit alongside Bradley Beal. Bradley Beal, Will Barton, Rui Hachimura, Kyle Kuzma and Kristaps Porzingis are the probable starters.
This are my NBA 2022-23 Eastern Conference predictions.
