Predicting the 2023-24 Eastern Conference Table

1. Celtics (55-27)

The Celtics are one of the contending teams you expect to see in the conference finals each year, and that is for a reason. The team needs to make adjustments coaching wise as the high volume 3pt shooting has not proven to be effective yet. If the Celtics come back on a defensive mindset and adapt their game, this team could finally be the 1st in the conference.

2. Bucks (54-28)

The Bucks went through a wildcard round of a team in the playoffs and are preparing to come back stronger and fiercer than ever. Giannis is young and thirsty for another championship to cement his name as an all time great. Having pretty much the same team they will be running it back, but without coach BudenHolzer this time around.

3. Heat (51-31)

The Heat made a great run to show the world that they had forgotten about them when really we should have only been talking about Miami. Jimmy Butler has proven again and again the natural leader that he is, and without him it would be a totally different story. Having reached the Finals as an 8th seed and a play-in team, the team will have all eyes on them throughout the off-season to the opening tip of the 2023-24 season. Additionally, the Heat have been linked with many players in Zach LaVine, Damian Lillard, Brook Lopez, etc.

They are not to be messed with.

4. Sixers (50-32)

This 76ers team has been struggling for years now. Having failed to make a conference finals in the last 6 years, fans are starting to doubt the process in Joel Embiid. It was easier to make excuses when he was young and full of potential, but now 29 years old, the pressure to bring Philly some silverware is growing. He is without a doubt a top 5 player in the league and an elite scorer.

The Sixers also deal with poor management which set them back each postseason. In addition to that, James Harden has been linked with Houston in the last couple of weeks following their disqualification as the 76ers will most likely have to start looking for another point guard.

5. Knicks (48-34)

The Knicks are an upland coming team, as usual, but this time around it's a different story. The team is well rounded with Jalen Brunson leading the team amongst young talent. Josh Hart, Immanuel Quickley, Mitchell Robinson and RJ Barrett are all talented players that fill the team perfectly throughout the starting lineup and the bench.

Julius Randle has been disappointing in the postseason but is a force of nature in the regular season. The Knicks might be looking to trade him for a more valuable asset and a team player that fits the role they are looking for. A great replacement would be Christian Wood, an athletic scorer who can rebound and pass the ball, much like Randle. Regardless, they are not a team to be messed around with.

6. Nets (46-35)

After Losing KD and Kyrie Irving at the trade deadline, many expected the Nets to fall in the play-in bracket, but a healthy Mikal Bridges prevented that from happening. The Nets are young and talented. Having a deep bench, they only miss another star player to make a contention for next season. Nic Claxton has also been a pivotal player for Brooklyn as a shot blocker, a huge asset for any team in this League.

7. Cavs (43-39)

The Cavs had a great season last year with Donovan Mitchell leading the team along with Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarret Allen. Unfortunately, their postseason performance showed that they are still young and not playoff ready. This might set them back a little in the upcoming season which is why we project them to be a play-in team next season.

8. Hawks (42-40)

The hawks are in a similar situation than the Cavs, having elite passers and scorers in Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. Atlanta needs to make changes within their roster to adapt to today's game. Maybe a shot blocking center of a powerful wing could change their direction, but with no real trade talks in line, there is nothing more to be said here, which is why we see them coming in 8th.

9. Hornets (41-41)

This Hornets team led by Lamelo Ball has a bright future ahead of them. Since Michael Jordan sold the franchise for $3 billion, the team is expected to make big changes. With the possibility of bringing Zion WIlliamson in as well, they will most definitely be a top 5 team in the east, but having no real trade happening now, and the fact that Zion WIlliamson is a walking injury, we project them to be 9th next season.

10. Pacers (41-41)

This Tyrese Halibuton led team has what it takes to make the play-in next year. If healthy, they are a contending team for the playoff, especially with Myles Turner as their center. Having no real other talent on the team it is hard to see them go much higher than this, but only time will tell.

11. Magic (40-42)

The Magic are another young team, consisting of lots of 20 year old players, including Paoolo Banchero, we see them missing out on the play-in tournament by not much, but still missing out. This might not be the year for Banchero, but it is expected from a second year player.

12. Bulls (38-44)

The Bulls are looking to trade their assets. Zach LaVine has been linked to teams like Miami, showing no real interest in the player going forward. Additionally, Lonzo Ball has been said to retire due to poor operations in his knee after multiple injuries. There is a high chance this season would have been his last…. Lastly, DDemar DeRozan will most likely be looking towards a contending team for next season, meaning the Bulls will have no real asset, which is why we put them so low.

13. Pistons (35-47)

The Pistons are young and inexperienced. Their only real option moving forward is to train their young players in Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren for the future.

14. Wizards (30-52)

The Wizards are looking to rebuild and start from scratch. Having traded Bradley Beal for close to nothing, they will most likely get rid of Porzingis and Kuzma this summer in exchange for future picks.

15. Raptors (29-53)

Toronto is another rebuilding team, this summer you can expect the team to look like nothing they did this season. Siakam, Van Vleet, Anunoby, Barnes are all expected to be traded before the tip off of the 2023-24 season.