Who Runs The East?
With the 2021 NBA Playoffs only one month away, the Eastern Conference race for a playoff spot is starting to heat up significantly. The top three seeded teams are pretty much a lock for the playoffs, but the race from the 4th to 10th seed is so close that every single game matters leading up to the playoffs. Currently, only two games separate the fourth seed and ninth seed in the Eastern Conference, setting up a wild finish for a playoff spot in the East.
Top 3 Seeds
1. Philadelphia 76ers
With the first seed in the Eastern Conference, the 76ers have been on a roll, winning 6 out of their last 10 games. MVP candidate Joel Embiid is proving why he is one of the league's most dominant big men, averaging 29.4 points, 11.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists while shooting 51.8% from the field and 37.5 % from the three-point line. The Sixers are a dangerous team when Embiid is leading the charge alongside teammate Ben Simmons, who is in the discussion for the DPOY award.
2. Brooklyn Nets
The second seed Brooklyn Nets are by far the NBA’s most exciting team this season. With the blockbuster trade early in the season, the Nets acquired former Houston Rocket superstar James Harden, who's been putting on a clinic this season averaging 25.2 points, 10.6 assists and 8 rebounds this season. Although they currently hold the 2nd seed, the Nets Big 3 have been battling the injury bug all season long. The Big 3 have not played many games together throughout the season, but with the playoffs approaching, it will be interesting to see how their season unfolds. This Nets team is one of the top favorites to make it out of the East to the NBA Finals this year.
3. Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks. (Ashley Landis/Associated Press)
The Milwaukee Bucks currently hold the third seed in the Eastern Conference with a 33-20 record. Two-time MVP Giannis Anteokounmpo leads the Bucks, averaging 28.8 points, 11.4 rebounds and 6.2 assists this season. Let’s be honest, the Bucks have been a really solid team. They traded for Jrue Holiday, who is really balling this year for them. He is definitely one the top on-ball defenders in the league. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t make the All-Defensive team this year. Khris Middleton is also a great weapon for Milwaukee, shooting 43.4% from the three-point line. It will be interesting to see how far the Bucks go this year.
There are less than 25 games left until the playoffs begin, and the Atlanta Hawks hold the fourth seed. Trae Young has finally gotten some help this year, And if Atlanta is able to keep up this momentum, it’s going to be interesting to see them back in playoff action. They’re a young, fast-paced, hungry team that the basketball world should keep a close eye on as we wind down towards the end of the season.
The Miami Heat, Charlotte Hornets and the Boston Celtics hold the 5-7th seeds in the East. The Miami Heat had a Cinderella story season last year, taking a trip to the Finals, while basically ripping through the Eastern Conference. They added 2x All-Star Victor Oladipo before the trade deadline. Along with Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson, the Heat have the pieces to make a title run again this year. They’re definitely an X-factor team.
After the loss of star rookie LaMelo Ball due to a wrist injury, I think the Hornets may slip down to the seventh seed or lower. They are a good team, but I still think they need more pieces to really peak towards their potential.
The Boston Celtics have had a rough season, but are starting to pick it up post-All-Star break, winning seven of their last ten games. Jayson Tatum is starting to get his groove back, and with co-star Jaylen Brown alongside him, the young Cs will look to continue their winning ways leading in the playoffs.
With the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks, and recently hired head coach Tom Thibodeau, are looking to sneak into the playoffs and make some noise. The hiring of Thibodeau has definitely repaired the culture of this franchise, as they currently hold a 27-27 record, which is the best we’ve seen in a while. All-Star F Julius Randle is having one of the best seasons of his career, while F RJ Barrett has found his confidence and has been on a tear all season.
On top of that, they currently have the first-ranked defense in the league. Their style of slowing down the game and making it tough to get a bucket is dangerous, and that’s why we should look for them to pull off an upset in this year’s upcoming playoffs.