East’s True Favorite? Execs, Coaches, Scouts Weigh In. ESPN.

A considerable amount of focus has been directed toward the leading teams in the NBA’s Western Conference during the current season, a focus that is certainly warranted.

The Oklahoma City Thunder, last year’s titleholders, commenced their season with a 24-1 record. They feature Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the current Most Valuable Player, who is also a strong contender for receiving the honor a second time. Their aspiration is to be the NBA’s initial team to secure consecutive championships since the Golden State Warriors achieved it in 2018.

Trailing closely behind Oklahoma City in the standings are the San Antonio Spurs, an unexpected standout squad. Guided by the prodigious third-year player Victor Wembanyama and the impressive second-year sensation Stephon Castle, the Spurs have overcome the Thunder in four out of five matchups this season. The Denver Nuggets, spearheaded by Nikola Jokic, a three-time NBA MVP, and Jamal Murray, who is making his first All-Star appearance, possess a history of championship success, positioning them as serious contenders for another extended playoff journey.

This concentration on the West has largely overshadowed the developments within the Eastern Conference, where the competitive landscape is unusually unconstrained, a rarity in the NBA.

An Eastern Conference general manager, whose franchise currently holds a playoff position, shared with ESPN, stating, “My estimation is that about six or seven of us are confident that with proper health at the opportune moment, we can initiate a successful playoff push. Every team entering the postseason will possess imperfections, yet each will also hold potential for advancement.”

Such a high degree of competitive balance generates numerous prospects and many uncertainties. The truth, when consulting with coaching staff, talent evaluators, and organizational leaders, is that no single team stands out as the undisputed top contender. This prevailing opinion might be a source of annoyance for the Detroit Pistons, who have consistently maintained the top seed since November.

Consequently, teams burdened by high expectations will find themselves without readily apparent justifications should they fail to progress far into the playoffs. When such circumstances arise, organizational alterations frequently follow.

A team president noted, “There are two to three organizations that will face significant repercussions if they don’t reach the conference finals. I realize this is typically the case annually, but in the East, there’s not a lot of grace period currently.”

As approximately one-quarter of the season still remains, the leading four teams in the East – comprising the Pistons, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Cleveland Cavaliers – alongside a prospective dark horse, are all capable of making a significant impact during the playoffs, provided circumstances align favorably.

Directly access insights on:
Pistons | Celtics | Knicks
Cavaliers | The wild card

Detroit is experiencing its second consecutive impressive season. Just two years prior, the Pistons endured a 28-game losing streak, culminating in a 14-victory season. The following year, they boosted that figure by 30 wins. Presently, the upcoming Friday matchup at Little Caesars Arena against the Cavaliers (7 p.m. ET, ESPN) presents the Pistons with an opportunity to equal their 44-win total from the previous season before the conclusion of February.

Cade Cunningham has solidified his position as a legitimate MVP contender. Jalen Duren, having backed his own abilities during extension discussions in the autumn, rightfully attained All-Star status. J.B. Bickerstaff is strongly considered for Coach of the Year for the second year running. Moreover, the Pistons, alongside Boston, are among only two Eastern Conference teams ranked within the top 10 for both offensive and defensive efficiency, which are common indicators of genuine championship aspirations.

A Western Conference executive commented on the Pistons, stating, “My assessment is that they are exceptionally strong. I believe their progress is ahead of projected timelines, and they are adapting to this accelerated development.”

Given such accomplishments, the notion of an entirely open Eastern Conference appears questionable. The Pistons fulfill multiple criteria associated with being a significant challenger. Therefore, why is their status not universally recognized as such? Several factors contribute to this perception, primarily their limited playoff exposure and achievement. The team has not secured a playoff series victory since 2008, and it is uncommon for franchises to transition directly from minimal playoff success to deep runs without facing prior adversities.

The executive remarked, “Certain teams exhibit one level of performance during the regular season and then access a higher intensity in the playoffs. I am uncertain if they possess such an additional level of play. When every competitor is exerting maximum effort in the postseason, does that diminish their regular-season intensity advantage?”

He concluded, “In my view, they are the front-runners, yet the margin separating them from others is narrow.”

The recent Monday contest against the Spurs brought to light potential weaknesses that might hinder Detroit’s prospects for a deep playoff run. Cunningham delivered what was arguably his least effective performance of the season, shooting 5-for-26, and Detroit’s offensive rhythm was severely disrupted by the formidable defense orchestrated by Wembanyama and his colleagues.

This week’s games facing San Antonio and Oklahoma City additionally underscored another difficulty: perimeter shooting. The Spurs and Thunder collectively made 20 more three-pointers than Detroit across those two encounters. This disparity in three-point production is worrying; the Pistons rank 28th in the league for three-pointers made per game.

A Western assistant coach stated, “I harbor no confidence in their capabilities whatsoever. Aside from Cade, they lack another primary offensive threat. One can compel any of their other players to attempt to win, and they will encounter significant difficulty.”

---

Since the commencement of training camp, both Boston and head coach Joe Mazzulla dismissed any suggestion that the current season would be transitional. Even with diminished forecasts following Jayson Tatum’s Achilles tear, the trade of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, and the departure of Al Horford in free agency, the Celtics maintain a 38-20 record, standing with the Thunder as the sole teams within the top seven for both offensive and defensive efficiency (ranking second and seventh, individually).

A Western scout remarked, “They exhibit intense effort throughout every minute of each contest. This is because should they falter in their intensity at any point, Joe [Mazzulla] will halt play and address it with them. However, sheer effort has its limits. They face a talent deficit when compared to other elite teams, at least until Tatum makes his comeback. Typically, the more skilled teams emerge victorious in the playoffs.”

Discussions concerning the Celtics are largely centered on Tatum’s anticipated comeback, yet Boston’s ability to navigate this season effectively in the absence of their star forward has garnered widespread commendation. Jaylen Brown is achieving personal bests in scoring (29.1 points), rebounding (7.1 boards), and playmaking (4.8 assists), even receiving an MVP endorsement from LeBron James. Mazzulla has skillfully fostered significant player development across the squad, ranging from starting center Neemias Queta to versatile wings Baylor Scheierman, Jordan Walsh, and freshman guard Hugo Gonzalez.

The assistant coach stated, “They possess a precise understanding of their identity. Their mental resilience is remarkable. They operate with conviction, free from hesitation.”

However, is their current roster sufficient to advance deeply into the postseason, possibly reaching the Finals for the third occasion in six years, all without Tatum? This very query is precisely why all discussions surrounding the Celtics inevitably revert to their potential capabilities and the extent of Tatum’s future involvement.

The assistant coach expressed, “Their performance is already outstanding without Jayson, and if you reintegrate him for 20 minutes per game, or even more? To me, they become the undeniable favorite.”

---

Ambitious goals were established last spring when the Knicks dismissed coach Tom Thibodeau subsequent to their first conference finals appearance in a quarter-century. These expectations were further amplified by owner James Dolan just last month, during an uncommon discussion with WFAN radio, where he articulated his objectives.

Dolan declared, “My assertion is that we aspire to reach the Finals, and we ought to emerge victorious in the Finals. This is professional sports; any outcome is possible. Advancing to the Finals is an absolute imperative for us. Securing the Finals championship is something we should accomplish.”

The Knicks commenced the season sharing the designation as Eastern Conference favorites with Cleveland, and for valid reasons. Their roster is abundant with skill, featuring All-Stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, adaptable wing players OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart, Mitchell Robinson as the league’s foremost offensive rebounder, and dependable secondary unit contributions.

A head coach from a competing Eastern team commented, “The Knicks possess the superior team. I am uncertain if they will deliver their peak performance during critical moments, however, I believe they have the most capable roster.”

New York is projected to achieve a minimum of 50 victories for the third consecutive year, a feat not accomplished since Pat Riley led the team in the 1990s. Nevertheless, a sense of instability has persisted within the Knicks organization throughout the entire season. Towns has vocalized his displeasure regarding his offensive responsibilities since the start of training camp. The team has been troubled by intermittent performance. And despite past critiques of Thibodeau’s inflexibility, the team has, at times, appeared to lack a distinct identity during its inaugural season under Mike Brown.

An advance scout remarked, “The dynamic involving Towns must be immensely frustrating for them. However, I must emphasize that accountability rests with everyone. It falls on KAT, on Mike [Brown], and on Brunson. They must collaboratively strive for greater consistency, as that represents a critical element for their success.”

---

A few weeks prior, the landscape entirely shifted as the Cavaliers executed the astonishing choice to dismantle their “Core Four,” sending Darius Garland to the LA Clippers in exchange for James Harden, a 36-year-old former Most Valuable Player and certain future Hall of Famer.

This transaction, combined with the earlier trade of De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings for Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis, has furnished Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson with enhanced roster depth and adaptability. This development has abruptly transformed Cleveland into the formidable contender it was anticipated to be prior to the season’s commencement. Consequently, the team, which stood at 17-16 and eighth in the East in late December, now trails Boston by two games for the second spot.

An Eastern executive commented, “Integrating James Harden midway through the season presents a significant demand for a team, particularly when their offensive performance has been quite strong over recent years. Harden’s style of play has the potential to elevate every player on the court, yet it necessitates an adaptation from each individual. Their apparent commitment appears high, which is crucial given the magnitude of the task.”

Harden rapidly recognized center Jarrett Allen and guard Sam Merrill as two individuals adept at leveraging his play. Harden commenced delivering alley-oop passes to Allen almost immediately, and Merrill, accustomed to off-ball movement to create openings, has profited from the attention Harden draws, exemplified by his career-best 32-point performance in Harden’s home opener earlier in the month.

Furthermore, Harden has forged a connection with forward Dean Wade, commending his defensive versatility across all positions at 6-foot-9. Wade has demonstrated effectiveness this season in defending smaller opponents, including notable outings against Brunson. Atkinson has utilized Wade both as a starter and a reserve throughout the season but is now inclined to feature him in a larger starting five, potentially at small forward. Atkinson is also contemplating rotations where Wade assumes the center position while Allen and Evan Mobley are on the sidelines.

Despite all the modifications implemented by the Cavaliers, a critical question remains: whether they can achieve sufficient defensive stands with Harden, Donovan Mitchell, and their present array of wing players when facing the premier playoff adversaries.

The Western executive noted, “I find this iteration of the Cavs more promising than a month prior. However, they continue to exhibit a prominent vulnerability in perimeter defense. If one relies on Max Strus and Dean Wade for defensive duties, the persistent issue of two guards, two bigs, and overall defensive challenges remains. Nevertheless, Harden represents a substantial enhancement for this concluding phase of the season.”

---

Should any team possess the capacity to disrupt the leading contenders in the conference, numerous league authorities identified the 76ers. They are presently maintaining a tenuous hold on the sixth position in the East, leading the Orlando Magic by merely half a game.

Combining the abilities of All-NBA guard Tyrese Maxey and former MVP center Joel Embiid, the 76ers possess elite talent capable of posing a formidable challenge in a playoff series. Yet, this potential is largely contingent on their physical condition, with Embiid’s fitness representing the most significant uncertainty in the entire NBA. Concurrently, with Paul George sidelined by suspension until late March, the 76ers’ lineup generally lacks stature apart from Embiid’s involvement.

The assistant coach declared, “In my assessment, they represent the unpredictable factor. While they could readily suffer a 4-0 sweep in the first round, if they are in peak physical condition, Embiid and Maxey present formidable challenges for any of these opposing teams.”

This season, the 76ers have secured two victories against both the Celtics and Knicks, but their collective record stands at 0-5 when competing against the Cavaliers and Pistons.

The Western executive stated, “Given their offensive capabilities, they merit consideration. Maxey is exceptional, and I can envision a scenario in a series where he performs outstandingly, combined with Embiid’s strong play, creating a significant mismatch. This offers a distinct advantage not shared by other teams, and even though they are a distant fifth, it is why I cannot completely disregard them as contenders.”