We can’t remember a time in recent history when the NBA’s eastern conference was that competitive and unpredictable. Only 9.5 games separate the first seed from the tenth seed in the East while 23 games separate the first seed and the tenth seed in the West. Every team in the top five has a legitimate chance of taking the title too. Some of these teams were to be expected, but very few people could have expected to see the Bulls and the Heat on top of the division. Or seeing the Cavs anywhere near the top five. So, who will win the East this year?
NBA Eastern Conference Who Will Take the Title This Year?
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The Miami Heat
Every competitive team that has Jimmy Butler has a chance of winning. He did not disappoint this year, but players like Duncan Robinson and Tyler Herro have also been instrumental. Adding a seasoned playmaker like Kyle Lowry was just the cherry on top. He really helped anchor the team’s offense and is the perfect fit for Miami’s system. We also have to mention Erik Spoelstra’s incredible coaching this season.
There are still many questions that need to be answered, however. First of all, Butler’s and Adebayo’s three-point shooting has been concerning this year, and you can’t win in the NBA with a starting duo that can’t shoot outside the arc. That’s probably one of the reasons why the best betting sites in the United States still have them behind Milwaukee, Brooklyn, and the Sixers. Turnovers have also been an issue this year and a team that is strong on defense with a great transition game could take advantage of
The Milwaukee Bucks
Everyone is expecting the Bucks to repeat this season. Jrue Holiday, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Khris Middleton are a legit top three and will strike fear in the hearts of any top team in the East or in the league for that matter.
With that being said, they have been slightly struggling so far, mainly because of injuries. Unless Brook Lopez and Connaughton return, they might lack some firepower on the perimeter, which could affect things down low for Antetokounmpo since he relies heavily on spacing.
The Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers are the second favorite to win the East for a couple of reasons, but the recent acquisition of perennial All-Star and former scoring champion James Harden is what puts them over the top.
Ben Simmons left Embiid with more space to operate, which is why he had one of his best seasons this year. James Harden will facilitate spacing and become an instant threat on the perimeter. At this point, the only thing that can stop the Sixers is themselves or the Nets.
The Brooklyn Nets
If we were to bet our lives on it, then we’d have to go with the Brooklyn Nets to win the East. Them getting Ben Simmons, Andre Drummond, and Seth Curry at the trade deadline is huge and we can’t see how anybody in the East can take them. The only risk there is Kyrie Irving and his part-time player situation and a very injury-prone Kevin Durant.
The East is as exciting as ever this year and we could see some surprises by the end of the season. We still can’t say for sure who’s going to take it, but we’re going to enjoy every minute of the race.
