NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The NBA season is here. The reigning NBA champs reside in the Eastern Conference and this offseason brought changes to a few teams in the East with hopes of catching the Boston Celtics. The New York Knicks have a different look with Karl-Anthony Towns. The Philadelphia 76ers added Paul George. The Orlando Magic gained some playoff experience. The Indiana Pacers found their way to the Eastern Conference Finals and the Cleveland Cavaliers are hoping this is the year where all the pieces gel.
Nothing is a given in the NBA even with the Celtics returning their main core. There is a ton of talent in the East and this could very well come down to health and experience. Which team has the best bench in case a starter goes down? Which team has the most heart? What team will perform better in the clutch moments? The 2024-25 NBA season will be one to watch for sure in the Eastern Conference.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The 5th spot in the East can go to a few teams. I have the Cleveland Cavaliers sitting here but adding the Orlando Magic would not be out of the equation either. But for now, this is the Cavs spot. With Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, and Darius Garland, they have a core of players with playoff experience and a team that finished last season ranked 7th in Defense despite a host of injuries. The Cavs didn’t add much this offseason but players will be hitting the floor with a chip on their shoulders due to offseason chatter.
This has to be the year where they put everything together. Mitchell is still a high-profile scorer and if the Cavs can get the playoff version of Mobely and Garland keeps his focus, this Cavs team can make some serious noise. What they will need to focus on is rim protection. If Allen and Mobely can defend the post, the Cavs will be a hard out in a playoff-setting
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers are on the rise. Following their impressive run last season, which led them to the Eastern Conference Finals, there’s no denying the talent. What was more amazing was their offseason, during which they gained more than they lost. The Pacers now have a valuable backup at the center with the addition of James Wisemen. Tyrese Haliburton will enter the season healthy and look to build upon the true PG legacy he established last season.
entering the new season, the Pacers have the edge over other teams such as the Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, and Magic. will this be a letdown for the upstart Pacers? Pascal Siakam is ready to roll but the true grit of the placer lies within their non-stars like T.J. McConnell, Andrew Nembhard, and Bennedict Mathurin. A great surprise run could lead to greater things this seaosn.
Philadelphia 76ers
Paul George gives the Philadelphia 76ers a real Big 3, which the team has been in search of since the departure of Jimmy Butler. Now, they’re even better. However, it’s all about depth. Do they have enough to make a long playoff run? Caleb Martin was a great addition as well as bringing Andre Drummond back but do they have a reliable PG? Where will the outside shooting come from? On paper, the 76ers have the makings of a championship core but will it translate to wins on the floor?
The 76ers are not as deep as the Knicks or as experienced as the Celtics when it comes to high-profile games. Joel Embiid is in his prime, and Maxey is hitting his, but can they get it done when it matters most? That is the question that will be lingering over their heads this season.
New York Knicks
The New York Knicks before the big trade, I had placed in 1st in the East. Jalen Brunson proved what he could do with the lights shining bright. OG Anunoby proved he’s a great fit with defense and reliable shooting. What can be said about Josh Hart that has not already been said? The Knicks were ready to overtake the Celtics then the last-minute trade went down and stripped them of that.
Anthony Towns is a good talent but his fit with the team may knock them down a peg. He and Randle are the same player but the loss of Dante DiVincenzo will be the hard one to follow. Adding Mikal Bridges does move the needle but imagine them keeping Randle and Dante with this core. The bench is where the telling point of how far the Knicks will go in a playoff series. And without a pure second-unit scorer, this is why the Knicks will be looking up at the Celtics in the East once again.
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are the reigning NBA champs and will return everyone from their main core. While Kristaps Porzingis will miss the start of the new season, he should be ready to roll well before playoff time. The truth is, the Celtics while talented, did get by the Eastern Conference that was hobbled with injuries. And while they still have their main core, other teams have upgraded.
As far as teams in the East go, which lineup has more experience in big-game situations than the Celtics? They have a two-headed attack with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown plus the veteran leadership of Al Horford and Jrue Holiday. It’s hard to repeat. The question for the Celtics is, are they mentally prepared to have a bullseye on their backs every night?
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