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NBA: Way-too-early Eastern Conference predictions for 2017-18

By Pierce Dennis

BOSTON, MA - MAY 25: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers heads for the net as Terry Rozier #12 and Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics defend in the first half during Game Five of the 2017 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 25, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 25: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers heads for the net as Terry Rozier #12 and Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics defend in the first half during Game Five of the 2017 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 25, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – MAY 25: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers heads for the net as Terry Rozier #12 and Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics defend in the first half during Game Five of the 2017 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 25, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – MAY 25: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers heads for the net as Terry Rozier #12 and Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics defend in the first half during Game Five of the 2017 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 25, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Predicting the Eastern Conference standings ahead of the 2017-18 NBA season

As NBA Free Agency draws to a close, and the dog days of summer sink in, it’s time to start breaking down the Eastern Conference and predicting how each team’s season will go.

In this prediction, three of last year’s playoff teams fail to make the postseason in 2017-18 and three new teams are introduced to the field of eight. First off, we begin with Brooklyn who is reeling after the Brook Lopez trade.

15. Brooklyn Nets

X-Factor: D’Angelo Russell

Brooklyn, we have a problem. To say the Nets are up the creek without a paddle would be a bit of an understatement. Coming off a 20-62 season, star center Brook Lopez was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for D’Angelo Russell and Timofey Mosgov. DeMarre Carroll was a nice addition to the squad, but doesn’t give them what they need to compete for a playoff position.

The Nets return Jeremy Lin, Trevor Booker, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Caris LeVert, and Sean Kilpatrick to round out the rotation. However, it’s the production and improvement from Russell that will determine the success of the season.

Brooklyn will look for Russell to lead this team for the immediate future, regardless of how this season goes.

Record Prediction: 18-64

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