The second half of the NBA season will begin with one game on Wednesday night. The NBA All-Star weekend is finished and we’re now back to reality. The 2025 Hall of Fame Finalist was also announced over the weekend. The reality is that teams focus on a playoff spot and run towards the NBA Finals. The trade deadline out a lot of teams in position to contend for an NBA championship. The defending NBA Champions are in the Eastern Conference. The Boston Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks to hoist their 18th championship banner. Are they the favorites to go back to the NBA Finals? Are there another team that could challenge the Celtics in the Eastern Conference? Check out my top 5 Eastern Conference teams after the All-Star break.
Boston Celtics
The defending champions are still my favorite to reach the NBA Finals. The roster is built for another great postseason run. Kristaps Porzingis and his health will be vital in them trying to go back-to-back. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are two of the best in the league and they’re now hitting their prime. Derrick White and Jrue Holiday are two of the best perimeter defenders in the league. Payton Pritchard is the favorite to be the 6th Man of the Year. Despite not making any major moves at the trade deadline, the Celtics are my favorites to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers sit atop of the Eastern Conference with a 5.5 game lead over Boston. Cleveland got off to an amazing start to the season and haven’t looked back. The Cavs have six players averaging in double figures. They made a trade with the Atlanta Hawks, and they acquired De’Andre Hunter. The addition of Hunter puts them closer to the Celtics. Hunter can score from anywhere on the floor and he’s a great defender. Mitchell won’t have to spend his energy guarding great perimeter players. Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley are great rim protectors. If the Cavs and Celtics meet in the Eastern Conference Finals it will be a great one.
New York Knicks
The Knicks are currently behind the Cavs and Celtics in the standings. When the Knicks traded for Karl Anthony-Towns it shook up the Eastern Conference. KAT and Jalen Brunson have become one of the best duos in the league. Towns are averaging 25 and 13 a night and bring a lot of energy to this team. Brunson is playing at an All-Star level again by putting up 26 points and 7.5 assists a game. Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, and OG Anunoby can step up when needed. A semifinal matchup with the Celtics or Cavs could be interesting. New York has the talent to compete and beat either team.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are the fourth team in the Eastern Conference. If they have a healthy Giannis and Dame this team can compete against anyone. The Greek Freak battled injuries in the postseason ever since they won the championship. The Bucks finally traded the oft-injured Khris Middleton. Middleton was sent to Washington and the Bucks received Kyle Kuzma. Kuzma is an instant scorer, and he brings youth and energy. The Bucks currently sit fifth in the Eastern Conference. The health of Giannis will be critical to how they do in the postseason. Antetokounmpo has missed 12 games this season and missed the All-Star game.
Indiana Pacers
The final spot was a tough one to pick. Detroit and Orlando were considered for this spot, but the Pacers are my 5th Eastern Conference team. Indiana currently sits fourth in the Eastern Conference. The Pacers made it to the Eastern Conference Finals last season. The Pacers benefited from the Knicks being injured last season, but they’re still a good team. Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton can carry this team. They have seven players averaging at least 9.5 points per game. Could they upset any of the teams above them in a playoff series?
Trav’s Top 5 Eastern Conference Teams
- Boston Celtics
- Cleveland Cavaliers
- New York Knicks
- Milwaukee Bucks
- Indiana Pacers
