Who are the Threats in the East?
The King has fallen, but is he on the rise? The Celtics Had reclaimed their storied throne but have just been usurped? Will the raptors maintain their dominance over the East?
These questions and more will be answered as we analyze who the true threats in the East are and make our All Star Break predictions for the fate of the East.
Can the Cavaliers Reclaim the East?
The Cavaliers (LeBron) decided the team needed complete and total revamp, so the Cavaliers (LeBron) made a lot of moves on the trade deadline as covered in our first article, . Now the only question that stands is: can the Cavaliers (LeBron) reclaim their dominance in the East led by the surge started in this four game win streak. So now the Cavaliers (LeBron) will look to atone for their 6.5 games out of 1st place. The fact is the Cavaliers (the team as a whole this time) have looked like winners since they acquired Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr., George Hill, and Rodney Hood. The new teammates have meshed well with the old as far as talent, chemistry, and playing styles. Additionally they've gotten rid of the two bad apples in the locker room, being Isaiah Thomas, who simply could not play alongside another ball hog in LeBron, and surprisingly Dwyane Wade, who reportedly began the bevy of submissiveness allegations against Kevin Love. So Cleveland has a new revamped team that has manhandled its first few foes. However the fact is the Celtics just got this All Star Break to reconvene and adjust and should come out stronger than ever. Additionally the Raptors have been straight up on fire recently as DeMar DeRozan has blossomed as a leader and given up his vendetta against the three ball. And of course it has to be acknowledged that despite a hot start together, this team is essentially starting from scratch with four new players, six players dealt away, and four of the remaining players being benchwarmers. Do the math and that's only six remaining role players. Considering this is LeBron-led team we're talking about, players are bound to be butting heads soon and this seemingly perfect chemistry will deteriorate.
Playoff Seed Prediction: 3rd
Can Green Go all the Way?
The Celtics have clearly grown tired and have hit a wall as just before the break, for the first time all year, they relinquished first place in the East to the Raptors. You read that right. The Raptors. Now it's doubtful anyone could have foreseen the play of the Eastern titans this season, with most experts picking the Cavaliers to maintain the number one spot all year long. The Celtics have defied odds, especially after the Gordon Hayward injury, and proved that with a good coach, hard work, teamwork, and petulant defense, they could continue without skipping a beat. Led by a breakout year by Jaylen Brown, a bright start from Jayson Tatum, leadership from Al Horford, the on-court dominance of Kyrie Irving in the spotlight, and the best defense in the league, Boston started the season with a historic 16 game win streak. They did not prevail at quite the same rate afterwards, but were able to hold onto that number one seed until just a week ago. What might be the kink in the gears in Boston? And can they work it out in time to reclaim their rightful spot as top dog? Well its simple, the Celtics have been a bottom ten offense all season, so their struggles on that end are nothing new. The real problem lies in the youth of the team and the injury to defensive stalwart Marcus Smart. The Celtics have 7 rookies on their team, all of which have at one time or another had a considerable chunk of minutes. Considering that according to former NBA player, Clark Kellogg, the "rookie wall" hits around the 60th game of the season, the young bucks are having appropriate struggles. Essentially half the team is adjusting to a significantly longer and more grueling season and they got plain tired. As far as Smart, he's been a top fifteen player in defense rating all season and his intangible presence on defense has been missed as well. Smart is a defensive leader who sets the tone for the rest of his team by taking charges like these two on James Harden,
as well though communication, getting under the opposing players' skin, and just breathing hustle. So naturally they should be able to bounce back after the break considering they'll have had nine games off and that the next few months won't be as congested with games. The rookies should be refreshed and ready to bring back the Boston brand of hustle defense and Marcus Smart will be healthy and back at the helm of said defense. Odds are Boston retakes the throne of the East.
Playoff Seed Prediction: 1st
Will the Raptors Remain the Dominant Team?
The Raptors have done the seemingly impossible- they've wrenched the top spot in the East from the Celtics and held the Cavaliers at bay simultaneously. DeMar DeRozan has finally given up his declination to shoot three pointers, posting his second highest season 3-point percentage on a career-high 3.5 3PA per game, comparatively higher than his career averages of 29% and 1.6 3PA. Meanwhile Kyle Lowry has remained consistent as ever as he's now been voted into his fourth career all star game. Led by surprisingly good seasons from rookie O.G. Anunoby, and second year guard Fred VanVleet, the role players have had a very solid year. Since their primary competitors have suffered from several injuries, such as Kevin Love's broken hand, Gordon Hayward's ankle injury, and recently Marcus Smart's finger sprain, the Raptors consistent play and health has carried them over the competition into the top spot. To maintain their chemistry fueled consistency, they avoided making any roster moves around the deadline and have committed to this tight knit core. The fact is though, the all star break is when teams can regroup, and streaks be they hot or cold, end. No NBA team has a fairytale story throughout the season and tensions are bound to rise in Toronto with 10 of their next 25 games being against current NBA Power Ranking Top 16 teams. Overall a finish to the season as strong as the start simply doesn't seem to be in the books for the Raptors and so they'll fall a spot behind the Celtics by the end of the year.
Playoff Seed Prediction: 2nd
Eastern Playoff Standings Projection:
1. Celtics
2. Raptors
3. Cavaliers
4. Pacers
5. Bucks
6. Wizards
7. 76ers
8. Pistons