6. Miami Heat (24-8)
For casual fans, the Miami Heat only have one star. Jimmy Butler is the headliner for this team, but there is much more talent on this roster than many realize. And it begins with Bam Adebayo, who should win the NBA’s Most Improved Player of the Year award. Kendrick Nunn and Tyler Herro should both be in the running for NBA’s Rookie of the Year and Duncan Robinson might be the best shooter in the league.
The Heat are red-hot and are transforming into a true threat in the East.
5. Boston Celtics (22-8)
What we’ve seen from the Boston Celtics through the first 30 games of the season should send shockwaves to the rest of the Eastern Conference. Not only have the Celtics surpassed expectations entering the season, but we’re also seeing the arrival of two budding stars in Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.
If they continue on this pace, the Celtics are going to be one of the tougher outs in the Eastern Conference. And if Gordon Hayward returns to form, this team will transform into a real threat to win the East.