NBA East Standings: Big Trades and Star Movement Impact Conference
Several Big Names Could Throw a Wrench at Outright Odds
The new-look Boston Celtics are back on top of the NBA East standings. At least, the outright NBA odds favor them to win the Eastern Conference (in the playoffs). Boston shook up its roster by dealing away Marcus Smart and Grant Williams and adding star center Kristaps Porzingis. But Boston is not the only team involved in deals or potential blockbusters, as the East could get shaken up in the next few months.
The NBA Eastern Conference Standings
Last Season’s Standings
Milwaukee finished atop the NBA East standings with the best record in the league in 2022-23. But the Miami Heat ended their playoffs abruptly. This led to a coaching change as Adrian Griffin takes over as a first-time head coach. Now, Milwaukee is just behind Boston when it comes to winning the East (+300). But the Bucks could have more continuity than the other contenders who are still looking to move big names on their teams.
| Team | 2022 STANDINGS | |
|---|---|---|
 | Milwaukee Bucks | 58-24 |
 | Boston Celtics | 57-25 |
 | Philadelphia 76ers | 54-28 |
 | Cleveland Cavaliers | 51-31 |
 | New York Knicks | 47-35 |
 | Brooklyn Nets | 45-37 |
 | Miami Heat | 44-38 |
 | Atlanta Hawks | 41-41 |
 | Toronto Raptors | 41-41 |
 | Chicago Bulls | 40-42 |
 | Indiana Pacers | 35-47 |
 | Washington Wizards | 35-47 |
 | Orlando Magic | 34-48 |
 | Charlotte Hornets | 27-55 |
 | Detroit Pistons | 17-65 |
This Season’s Upcoming Standings
Either Milwaukee or Boston should finish as the top team in the NBA East standings this season. But teams like Philadelphia and Cleveland should not be discounted. Miami, who won the East as the eighth seed, is also a dark horse if it can pull off the trade for Damian Lillard.
Many of these hinge on whether superstars like James Harden or Donovan Mitchell are moved. Teams on the lower half of the NBA standings could also make some noise if they get “favorable” NBA schedules. While these top four teams are near locks to make the playoffs, the rest of the conference will shake things up.
Stars on the Move: Who’s In and Who’s Going Out?
All eyes are on whether Miami can acquire Lillard or not. But the NBA odds expect Brooklyn (+125) to be the frontrunner if Portland decides to ship him somewhere else. The Nets have a more appealing package to send Portland in the event of a trade. However, Lillard has reportedly been adamant about playing for only Miami.
With Philadelphia, the question is whether it will trade James Harden or not. The former MVP is disgruntled and wants out. Top Sixers executive Daryl Morey, who worked with Harden in his best years in Houston, could smoothen things out.
As for Cleveland, the franchise is still in trade rumors. Donovan Mitchell is considered tradeable during the season if the team does not take the next step. They were upset by the Knicks in the playoffs.
And speaking of the Knicks, New York is a “contender” to acquire either Lillard or Harden. They always seem to be but consistently miss out on stars.
Either way, expect all these teams’ NBA Championship odds to shorten or widen depending on who they trade or trade for.
For NBA betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
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