Top Five Teams In Eastern Conference

There is a way to go between now and next June, when the NBA champion will be crowned. Like, about a year. And plenty could change between now and the trade deadline in February. But for now, the title belongs to the Boston Celtics. Here is how we rank the Eastern Conference top five in late August:

1. BOSTON CELTICS

It would be hard to argue against the reigning champions as not just the top team in the East, but the entire NBA, with the way they dominated on the way to the title. And everyone is back.

Granted, recent history shows it’s more difficult than ever to repeat, but now that Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum have a ring, the goal is to become a dynasty. With two of the top backcourt defenders in Jrue Holiday and Derrick White, a cheat code in Kristaps Porzingis, and great depth … well, a dynasty is a possibility.

2. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

On paper, the Sixers have it all, adding All-Star Paul George to Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. But it’s what Philly did around the edges that makes you believe they’re a true contender. Along with the Big Three, they now feature the likes of Caleb Martin, Eric Gordon, Andre Drummond (again) and Reggie Jackson.

Those players aren’t stars in any sense, but they are the type of veterans who have been there before and can help carry you when things get tricky in the playoffs. Bottom line: No one looks more prepared to challenge the Celtics for East supremacy.

3. NEW YORK KNICKS

Adding Mikal Bridges to an already strong cast makes you think the Knicks can win it all. No, seriously. They have the ultimate leader and offensive weapon in Jalen Brunson, who not only can beat you alone, but often brings out the best in everyone else (Bridges, Julius Randle, OG Anunoby, etc.). 

A major key will be staying healthy when it means the most — something that eluded the Knicks last season. Depth at center behind Mitchell Robinson is a concern, but that’s just nitpicking. Truth is, the Knicks should be even better than last season, when they finished with the No. 2 seed in the East.

4. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

The Cavs are banking on familiarity and the idea that new coach Kenny Atkinson can get them to another level. Darius Garland had a down year last season and they still finished with 48 wins and the No. 4 seed in the East (for the second time in a row). Donovan Mitchell is their greatest hope, but they’re counting on Garland having a rebound year.

And if Atkinson can get even more out of Evan Mobley, who knows? The Cavs have the potential to be a true darkhorse. Mobley and Jarrett Allen already form one of the top two or three defensive frontcourts in the entire NBA, and that can take you places in the playoffs.

5. INDIANA PACERS

Like Cleveland, Indiana is returning all of its major players, starting with Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, as well as the always-at-least-solid Myles Turner. They also boast one of the NBA’s best coaches in Rick Carlisle. Also, let’s not forget we’re talking about a team that reached the Eastern Conference finals last season, when most everyone had them pegged for the lottery.

The Pacers don’t enter the season with as much sizzle as the larger markets, but they showed they can win games simply by outscoring you. Defensively, there’s work to be done. But for the most part, they play hard and smart, and boast a swagger that reveals they think they can beat anyone, anywhere, anytime. A lot of times, they’re right.

• Others we could see finishing with top five seeds: Milwaukee Bucks, Orlando Magic, Miami Heat.
• More NBA | Top five teams in Western Conference