Pistons
The Pistons have shocked me with the top spot in the East with no signs of letting up. Led by another MVP type of season by star Cade Cunningham. Center Jalen Duren has increased his offensive production while continuing to dominate the boards. SF Ausar Thompson continues to apply defensive pressure while playing well as a glue guy mostly without the ball. I thought they would miss the shooting they loss, but SG Duncan Robinson and SF Caris LeVert has helped along with the return of G Jaden Ivey. The team is believed to be in the market for PF/C Anthony Davis to upgrade the PF spot.
Knicks
The Knicks have played well this year led by PG Jalen Brunson and PF Karl-Anthony Towns. C Mitchell Robinson has been mostly healthy this season allowing them to go with a big lineup when needed. Inserting SG/SF Josh Hart as a starter when needed has been a key difference. The team is open to a trade for Giannis only, but they believe they have what it takes to win the Eastern Conference with good depth.
Celtics
The Celtics have worked their way back into the #3 seed after a slow start, but increased production by SG/SF Jalen Brown and PG Derrick White has led the way. The team has been able to see growth out of younger players like C Neemias Queta, rookie SG/SF Hugo Gonzalez, and PF Jordan Walsh. While also getting production out of their free agent pickups in C Luka Garza and F Josh Minott. The trade for SG Anfernee Simons has brought mixed results and he remains a possible trade piece.
Raptors
The Raptors have a solid team led by PF Scottie Barnes, SG/SF R.J. Barrett, and finally healthy production from SF Brandon Ingram and PG Immanuel Quickley. C Jakob Poeltl has been a consistent double-double threat when healthy, but smartly pairing him with free agent C Sandro Mamukelashvili from the Spurs has made a difference. The team has solid young wing depth and should be able to give teams problems with a fully healthy starting lineup.
76ers
The 76ers have been able to work their way up after a slow start led by increased production from PG Tyrese Maxey who been on fire this season. Rookie SG V.J. Edgecombe has been a solid player so far this season and a welcome addition as a long-term backcourt mate for Maxey. The team has managed the injuries of C Joel Embiid and SF Paul George the best they can, due to good depth, but they will need both to make noise in the playoffs.
