Now that we have crossed through the All-Star break, let’s take another look at the Eastern Conference power rankings as we get closer to the playoffs.
- Washington Wizards
The Wizards’ one goal is to tank for Cooper Flagg or another high-draft pick. They made the smart decision to trade Kyle Kuzma, as he was limiting the development of their youth. Unfortunately, they are still 9-45. Jordan Poole has made great improvements from last year, but that’s just about the only bright side of the team.
- Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte has had their yearly slump when LaMelo begins to miss time due to injury. When healthy, he is one of the best players on the court, but that’s the problem. We will see if they move forward with LaMelo as their future or if they decide to trade him, but the team is on pace for another sub-thirty-win season, and something needs to change.
- Brooklyn Nets
The Nets are in an interesting position. Since the end of the Big Three Era, the team has been stuck in mediocrity. They have a lot of very solid role players, but no real star to command the team. Cam Thomas has been pushed into the role and he has done a solid job, but injuries and high usage have limited him. A splash trade and solid drafting could get them into the play-in race next season, but this season can definitely be labeled as a dud.
- Toronto Raptors
Toronto had a nice trade to get Brandon Ingram and extended him immediately, but don’t expect much for now. They have had a very mediocre season so far, but they have developed their talent. Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Brandon Ingram, and Gradey Dick make a solid core. Ingram’s experience should help a young team develop and they definitely won at the trade deadline.
- Chicago Bulls
Chicago has been stuck in mediocrity for just about the entire decade. The team has some solid young talent but there are several construction issues that hold them back. If they want to contend in the future, they need to blow it up. Lonzo Ball is too injury-prone and needs to be traded. Nikola Vucevic has had a great season this year but it is time to move on from the aging star. They need to gather picks and build through the draft. As for this season, they will likely lose in the play-in again.
- Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta has had a rocky season, but it has been all downhill. They lost DeAndre Hunter at the trade deadline, and it’s looking more and more like a Trae Young trade is coming. Young is a very talented young star, but the team around him does not fit his needs. Clint Capela is a solid center but he isn’t the lob threat Trae Young would thrive with. Zaccharie Risacher will probably be a stud in the future, but his youth shows on the court. Just like the Bulls, they are in that range where they aren’t good enough to contend but aren’t bad enough to tank. They need to decide whether they are committing to Trae Young or moving on a rebuilding from scratch.
- Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers have had a tumultuous year, to say the least, and the injuries aren’t looking to slow down. Jared McCain showed promise before his season-ending injury, Paul George has not been the star he was last year, Joel Embiid is having his yearly injury woes, and Tyrese Maxey has been doing his best to keep the team afloat. What gives them hope is that despite injuries, the healthy roster is still very solid. If they can manage to make it out of the play-in tournament, they could poise to be a dangerous opponent in the first round. Even while dealing with injuries, Embiid is an elite center. Maxey has been a top-five scorer this season. Oubre, George, and newly acquired Quentin Grimes are all solid starters. They will need to get lucky, but they have the talent.
- Miami Heat
The Miami Heat’s main goal this season is to win the break-up with Jimmy Butler. Tyler Herro is having a solid season, but not much else is going for them. They have plenty of solid players, but without Butler, they don’t have that X-factor anymore. They could be a sneaky team in the playoffs, but they will not stand a chance against the top of the Eastern Conference.
- Orlando Magic
Orlando has fought off the injury plague to Paolo Banchero and is now looking to fight for a top-six seed. Their defense is always elite, currently ranking second in the NBA, but the offense is a completely different story. It is dead last averaging just 104 points per game. Shooting is a huge concern, with Mo Wagner having the highest three-point percentage on the team at just 36%. It all starts with playmaking, something that the team cannot do well. They do not have a true playmaker, which forces Banchero into a role that is not his own, limiting his talents. They still have plenty of talent which makes them competitive, but they need to construct the team a little better over the offseason. With Banchero, they have a chance to get hot, but it will have to come at the right time.
- Detroit Pistons
Detroit has been an incredible surprise this season. Cade Cunningham has taken the leap and has put up better numbers in just about every category. He is third this season in triple-doubles, and his team has taken advantage of his career year. Malik Beasley has been knocking down nearly 42% of his threes on over 9 attempts per game. The team has surrounded Cade with all the shooting and defense he could ask for. Assuming they remain as the sixth seed, they will have a difficult first-round matchup against the Knicks. No matter what happens, this has been an incredible year for the Pistons. They already have doubled their wins from last season. If the Pistons get a little more shooting and consistency, they will be a scary team.
- Indiana Pacers
Indiana has been hot as of late. Haliburton hasn’t had the same volume as last year but has been very efficient. Siakam has been a great first option, and the offense is back to its full form. The defense is the weak link, but the sheer number of points being scored wins them games. Just like last year, they have the shooting to make a run.
- Milwaukee Bucks
While the record isn’t quite there, the Dame-Giannis combo has looked a lot better on the court. Both made the all-star game and have been very solid. The trade for Kuzma led some scratching their heads, but he has won a championship and has the experience. If they want to make a run, Dame and Giannis will have to play perfect ball.
- New York Knicks
The Karl Anthony-Towns trade is looking better and better as time moves forward. While the defense has taken a step back, the offense has become elite. Josh Hart is one of the best rebounders in the game at just 6′ 4″. Jalen Brunson is still playing elite. Bridges and Anunoby have been some of the best wing defenders in the game while still contributing a lot offensively. This five-man lineup is currently the best in the entire NBA, but the depth is not quite where it should be. Head coach Tom Thibodeau is known to play his starters for high majorities of the game, so injuries will be a concern. This will be a new-look team come playoff time that no team wants to play.
- Boston Celtics
The Celtics are having a phenomenal season, but it has definitely been a step down from last season. Jaylen Brown has had a down season, but Tatum has still been himself. The team still has the same flaws as last season, but they are overall still very dominant. Payton Pritchard has been a pleasant surprise from the three-point line, and they have a top-six offense and defense. There is a very high chance we see an ECF between the Celtics and the Cavs. Both teams are the clear best two teams in the East.
- Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers have slightly slowed down, but they have still been very dominant. With the core four of Mobley, Garland, Allen, and Mitchell, they are able to keep star power out on the court at all times while keeping them healthy. The shooting from Ty Jerome has also been a huge variable, and the trade for DeAndre Hunter will provide even more offense. They have the best three-point percentage in the entire NBA, and it’s no coincidence. They are built to win and almost have a spot in the Conference Finals locked up.
