Dallas Mavericks: Predicting the Eastern Conference standings

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The few teams that have a real shot at getting the bid to the Finals from the Eastern Conference would be considered the favorites.

3. Philadelphia 76ers

They may have lost Jimmy Butler and J.J. Redick, but the Philadelphia 76ers should still be considered one of the favorites from the Eastern Conference. While bringing back Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris, the Sixers also brought in some fresh faces like Al Horford, Josh Richardson and Matisse Thybulle from the draft.

The Sixers could have gotten better this year in all honesty, but they do lose arguably their best clutch player in Jimmy Butler. Someone else will likely step up, but a void to fill nonetheless. I still think the Sixers are not ready to clear the hump as the best team in the East.

Philly will win 50+ games this year, probably even getting closer to 55.

2. Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics lost Kyrie Irving and Al Horford this summer, both of which were great for the team during their time in Boston. They were able to replace Kyrie with Kemba Walker, a great addition and someone who is legitimately capable of filling those shoes. Horford, on the other hand, won’t be as easy to replace.

The Celtics will have to rely on the growth of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown this year to be a top 3 team in the East. They will also have help from Marcus Smart, Gordon Hayward, Enes Kanter and a fresh batch of rookies, all of which make this one of the deepest teams in the league yet again.

The Celtics made some changes and I think they will result in a better team than last year. 55+ wins.

1. Milwaukee Bucks

The best team in the East did not change this year. The Milwaukee Bucks were the best team in the regular season last year, thanks largely to the play of NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Giannis is a nightmare for anyone standing across from him, no matter which side of the ball you may be on.

The Bucks return a vast majority of their roster, losing out on Malcolm Brogdon as their only key role player lost. They are bringing in Wesley Matthews and Robin Lopez to help out, but the core of Giannis, Khris Middleton, Eric Bledsoe and Brook Lopez is the heart of this team.

I think the Bucks will be right about where they left off from last season, with another 60-win season.

The Eastern Conference had a lot of changes this summer despite still being the little brother to the West. To see how I believe the Western Conference standings will turn out, keep following us here on the site.