Big expectations as NBAplayoffs tip-off (22-23)

Author:Aaron Reff

End of season summary of NBAConference standings.

The 2023 NBAPlayoffs will be headlined by the Milwaukee Bucks and the Denver Nuggets on April 15, 2023 after the NBAPlay-in tournament concludes.

Eastern Conference

Milwaukee Bucks (58-24): Led by their two-time MVPGiannisAntetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks reclaimed the top seed in the Eastern conference in the 2022-23 season. Last season the Buck’s championship aspirations fell short as they weren’t able to overcome losingAll-Star forward Khris Middleton due to injury in the 2022 playoffs. However, with Middleton back and the addition of some veteran free agents, the Milwaukee Bucks look to enter the 2022-23 playoffs with a full head of steam.

Boston Celtics (57-25): Similar to last season the Boston Celtics find themselves back at the #2 seed of the Eastern conference.After their loss to the Golden State Warriors in the 2022 NBAFinals, the Celtics wasted no time acquiring veteran additions to increase their chances to repeat their run. Boston entered the 202223 season with an obvious chip on their shoulders after experiencing a disappointing end to their year. With Joe Mazzulla stepping in as interim head coach for the 22-23 season, MVPcandidate JaysonTatum and the Boston Celtics appear in position to right their wrongs from last season.

Philadelphia 76ers (54-28): In their first full season together, MVPfrontrunner Joel Embiid and formerAll-Pro James Harden led the Philadelphia 76ers to a top three seed in the Eastern conference.After their second round exit from last year’s playoffs, this season’s priority was to find the former Houston,Texas native more room to operate in the team’s offense as his field goal percentage increased by four percent (44%) compared to last season. Piloted by their two superstars, future Hall of Famer Doc Rivers, and a deep roster of talented role players, the 76ers hope to make another run at the Eastern conference finals having last appeared in 2019.

Cleveland Cavaliers (51-31):The Cleveland Cavaliers made the biggest splash of the offseason when they traded for 26 year oldAll-Star Donovan Mitchell.Amove that propelled the team five ranks up in the standings from last season. Mitchell has been a catalyst all season long for the Cavaliers, even dropping 71 points in one game earlier in the season in a gutsy overtime performance.The Cavs are primed to make an attempt at the Eastern conference finals, and are set to be contenders for years to come as long as their young core remains intact.

NewYork Knicks (47-35):This season for the NewYork Knicks has been a roller coaster of emotions. From backing out of a presumed trade for Donovan Mitchell, to controversially acquiring 26 year old guard Jalen Brunson from the Dallas Mavericks in free agency. Brunson, although heavily scrutinized by Knicks fans initially, has been one of the best offseason additions in 2022-23, leading the team to the playoffs after ranking #11 the season prior The most improved player candidate, along with theirAll-Star forward Julius Randle look to continue shocking the nation with their vastly improved roster for years to come.

Brooklyn Nets (45-37): Despite recent years of championship expectations, the Brooklyn Nets sought out their goal of reaching the Finals with their new prolific big three of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Ben Simmons. However, constant friction between theAll-Stars and the team’s front office led the franchise to part ways with their most valuable assets in favor of a win by committee approach.After compiling 34 wins together, the Nets tradedAll-Star point guard Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks and NBAsuperstar Kevin Durant to the Phoenix Suns before the NBA’s trade deadline.Although seemingly hitting self-destruct on this season, Brooklyn still found themselves clinching the #6 seed in the playoffs led by forward Mikal Bridges who was acquired mid-season.

Atlanta Hawks (41-41):TheAtlanta Hawks entered the season with great expectations having traded for 26 year old guard DeJounte Murray after he became anAll-Star with the SanAntonio Spurs.The Hawks traded away forward Danilo Gallinari, three first-round draft picks, and one future pick swap in one of the offseason’s most head scratching moves. However, despite the hype inAtlanta, they were unable to avoid the NBAPlay-in tournament for the second straight season and only improved by one rank in seeding from the 2021-22 season.Although the Hawks have underwhelmed by even their own standards, the amount of talent at their disposal is enough to give any opponent in the Eastern conference a hard time if they can gain momentum as a team.

Miami Heat (44-38):The Miami Heat dropped down from the #1 seed in the Eastern conference all the way to the #8 seed arguably having one of the most disappointing playoff pushes during the 2022-23 campaign. Having retained the majority of their roster from last season the Heat were a team that many didn’t think would be in the NBA’s Play-in tournament, let alone the last seed in their conference. However, Miami was able to muster enough gas to salvage their season and will compete against the #1 seed Milwaukee Bucks this postseason. With Miami’s big three of forward Jimmy Butler, guardTyler Herro, and center Bam Adebayo all playing in at least 78% of the 82 possible games together, it’s easy for one to claim that the team experienced an unexpected hangover from their success a season ago.