Beasts of the East

Is it too early for the playoff picture to start coming into focus? No? Well then, here we go. There’s a lot of talent in the Eastern Conference, so it’s not easy to determine who will do what, but if the postseason were to start right now, here are the current headlines for the teams who would make it in the East:

1. Fear The Deer

   Currently at 52-8, the Milwaukee Bucks have the best record in the NBA. They have already clinched a playoff spot. With Giannis having another MVP-like season, is there anyone that can stop the Bucks from claiming a title?

2. No Kawhi, No Problem

   Despite the departure of Kawhi Leonard, the Toronto Raptors are in great standings in the East. With the injuries piling up, the Raptors seem to be in a downward spiral. Can Kyle Lowry hold down the fort well enough to keep the #2 spot?

3. The C’s Superstar

   In the absence of Kemba Walker, first time All Star Jayson Tatum has emerged as the undisputed Celtics frontman. Tatum’s MVP-like performances are something that fans look forward to and opponents fear. The Celtics are playing high level basketball and they’re having fun doing it. Could Kemba’s return disrupt the team’s pace?

4. Can You Feel The Heat?

   The sky is the limit for Miami Heat’s Bam Adebayo. The young Forward is gaining respect from around the NBA with his dunks and defensive performances. While the team is in good standings, they will need a lot more from players like Jimmy Butler to make a run in the postseason. Is Butler enough to take the Heat deep into the playoffs?

5. Still Processing…

   What do you do when your two best players are both out with injuries? The Philadelphia 76ers are hoping to move on with a “next man up” mentality and hope that the next man does indeed step up. With Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid out, Tobias Harris is the person who has to step up if the Sixers are going to make a championship run. Should the 76ers continue to “Trust The Process” or is it time for a new plan?

6. The Oladipo Show?

   Victor Oladipo missed over a year of basketball due to injury. He is still working his way back and he is definitely gaining confidence, but it could still take a while. Players like Domantas Sabonis have really stepped up to give the Indiana Pacers a much needed push. With Oladipo still trying to find himself again, is it too optimistic for the Pacers to look forward to the playoffs?

7. Aaron Gordon The Magician

   All dunk contest opinions aside, Aaron Gordon, who just recently recorded his first triple double, has put the Orlando Magic on his back. While Gordon is emerging as the Magic’s best all around player, the team is not expected to make a championship run. Should the Magic focus on building a championship caliber team around Aaron Gordon?

8. The Nets’ Glimmer Of Hope

   The Brooklyn Nets have been through a lot in the last year alone. The team was on the rise with D’Angelo Russell as their leader until his departure. They acquired Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, who are both injured. Although things aren’t great in Brooklyn, there is one glimmer of hope and he goes by the name Spencer Dinwiddie. The Nets are literally on the edge of the cliff when it comes to playoff hopes and Dinwiddie seems to be their only hope right now. Can he rise to the challenge or will Spencer Dinwiddie fold under pressure?