Predicting the NBA Eastern Conference
5. Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks will be out to prove that last season was no fluke, though I don’t expect any Cinderella playoff upsets this time around. Teams won’t take the Hawks lightly, and Nate Mcmillan should have them ready for that. I expect a close battle for fifth through seventh-place, throughout the season, with Atlanta finishing slightly ahead.
6. Chicago Bulls
The Bulls will be back in the playoffs. Like the Nets, I expect defensive problems for this team, but where last season they didn’t have enough offensive weapons, this year they have plenty.
I was not a fan of Lonzo Ball when he first came into the league. It’s become obvious that he’s put work into his game and has come around to being a solid point guard who still has high upside. He should get plenty of easy assists with Zach Lavine, Nikola Vucevic, and newly acquired Demar Derozan.
7. New York Knicks
The rest of the league will be better prepared when playing the Knicks this year. Coach Tom Thibadeau will keep them playing tough defense. The addition of Kemba Walker should give them added on-court leadership that they in the playoffs last year. I don’t have them getting out of the first round, but they should put together a more competitive showing.
8. Boston Celtics
It may take a little time for Jaylen Brown to get back to full strength, which will show in early season losses. Once the team gets healthy I think they will put together a solid season. He and Jayson Tatum need to not just grow individually and statistically, but they also have to start growing as leaders and making teammates around them better. Their development will be the difference between this team being able to finish higher or squeaking into the playoffs. The Celtics are typically a very proactive franchise so they likely make a mid-season trade to improve the roster.
Next: Page 3 – Outside looking in