We are still months away from any regular-season NBA games.
As every NBA fan knows, there are plenty of surprises – good and bad – that await all teams in the league.
The bottom line is that no one knows what will happen in 2023-24.
Still, ESPN revealed their predictions for the Eastern Conference in the new season.
According to NBACentral, the Boston Celtics sit atop ESPN’s list with a 55-27 record.
Following that team are the Milwaukee Bucks (54-28), the Cleveland Cavaliers (50-32), the Philadelphia 76ers (47-35), and Miami Heat (46-36).
This list was made based on last year’s records, offseason changes, and just sheer speculation.
ESPN’s record predictions for the eastern conference:
1. Celtics: 55-27
2. Bucks: 54-28
3. Cavaliers: 50-32
4. 76ers: 47-35
5. Heat: 46-36
6. Knicks: 46-36
7. Hawks: 41-41
8. Nets: 39-43
9. Pacers: 38-44
10. Magic: 38-44— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 23, 2023
Some fans were very happy with ESPN’s prediction.
“Celtics all the way,” NBA Reactz said.
Celtics all the way.
— NBA Reactz (@NBAReactz) August 23, 2023
However, some were unhappy with the fact that the Bucks weren’t number one.
They ended last season as the top team in the East, so why wouldn’t they do it again in the new season?
Giannis runs the east
— Con (@DaConstrict) August 23, 2023
Other people said Orlando Magic should be much higher on the list.
ESPN pegged them as the tenth spot with 38-44 but that’s not high enough, according to loyal fans.
Sleeping on the Magic
— Alex Onaindia (@AlexOnaindia) August 23, 2023
Meanwhile, Fade The Bias pointed out that the Heat might end up landing Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers.
If that happens, could the Heat be even higher than the fifth seed?
East will be crazy! Heat may get Dame, I genuinely think the Celtics take a step back without Smart's leadership and the Bucks have a few questions too with a new coaching staff. I think the east will lineup like this:
Bucks
Celtics
Heat
Knicks
Cavs
76ers (assuming no harden)— Fade The Bias (@fadethebias) August 23, 2023
Of course, it’ll be some time before we know how accurate ESPN is.
Although we now have a very good idea of what each of these teams will look like in 2023-24, we still cannot predict some of the variables that come during every season.
The NBA always has a few tricks and surprises up its sleeve – just take the Heat of last season for example.
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