Other teams that will be in the race…
These are the teams who I expect to be at least respectable and competitive and will at least challenge some of the above teams for a playoff spot…
- Orlando Magic – If Markelle Fultz, Jonathan Issac or Aaron Gordon has a breakout, that could be all the Magic need to make it back to the postseason for the second year in a row but with the uncertainty of that happening, along with a slight regression from Vucevic, I have them on the outside looking in for now.
- Chicago Bulls – If the Bulls can get consistent production from the point guard spot (if Kris Dunn can stay healthy and productive and/or Coby White can contribute from day one) then that, along with the continued development of Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen, having Wendell Carter Jr. for a full season and of course, playing in the eastern conference, then that might be enough to surprise some people and sneak in but I still feel we’re a year away.
- Atlanta Hawks (but not really) – Some people have the Hawks as a dark horse team in the east playoff race but I think they’re still a year or so away. They’re going to be a league pass team for sure with their young core of Trae Young, John Collins, Kevin Huerter, DeAndre Hunter and Cam Reddish and yeah, they do have Vince Carter as a veteran presence but I just think they’re going to struggle too much on defense and don’t have quite enough experience on the roster to make real noise this season.
Who’s in and who’s out? Let me know your Eastern Conference standings predictions in the comments!