The NBA Champion Boston Celtics enter the season as favorites to repeat. The Celtics have a loaded roster led by star wings Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown along with crucial supporting pieces Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, and Kristaps Porzingis. As a result, it’s easy to see the Celtics repeating as champions. However, many Eastern Conference teams upgraded their roster in hopes of dethroning the Celtics. Let’s rank the Celtics’ biggest threats in the Eastern Conference.
Ranking the 3 Biggest Eastern Conference Threats to the Celtics
3. Milwaukee Bucks
The first year of the Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard duo didn’t yield favorable results for the Milwaukee Bucks. However, there’s no denying the duo’s offensive upside. While the Bucks’ only free agent signing was Gary Trent Jr. there’s good reason to believe this team is talented enough to figure out their problems from last season. The Bucks’ 19th-ranked defense was the most concerning issue last year. The addition of Trent combined with Milwaukee’s imposing frontcourt of Giannis, Brook Lopez, and Bobby Portis, off the bench should be enough for them to rank in the top half of defenses however, that still needs to be seen. The Bucks frontcourt size could be particularly problematic depending on Porzingis‘ health. Additionally, the Bucks always play the Celtics well; they notably beat Boston twice last year.
The Bucks are a perennial Eastern Conference powerhouse and a proven playoff team under Giannis. Nevertheless, the Bucks need to show us more with this roster and especially need to improve on defense. However, they don’t have the wing defenders to contain Tatum and Brown. The Bucks also don’t have much star power outside of Giannis and Dame. While Khris Middleton is an efficient three-level scorer, it’s unclear if that will be enough for the Bucks to truly contend. Furthermore, the Bucks have an aging roster at 36, Lopez could significantly decline, similarly at 33, it’s risky to overly depend on Middleton, Dame showed signs of decline last year and is now 34. Ultimately, given Milwaukee’s overall struggles last season, and with their aging roster it’s hard to rank them higher than three however, you can never count Giannis out.
2. Philadelphia 76ers
After signing Paul George in free agency the Philadelphia 76ers have high expectations heading into the season. On paper, the 76ers have a strong case to challenge the Celtics as they have an All-Star-level guard and wing with a superstar-level big man. The fit between George, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey is about as seamless as it gets. This trio makes the 76ers incredibly balanced and well-rounded, much like the Celtics. Additionally, last season the 76ers posted a 31-8 record with Embiid in the lineup. All of this is good reason to believe in the 76ers and they could ultimately be Boston’s biggest challenger.
However, both Embiid and George have extensive injury histories. Embiid has never made it past the second round and has consistently been injured in the playoffs. Moreover, the Sixers don’t have the wing defenders to contain Tatum and Brown. While George is still a high-level defender at 34 he is no longer an elite on that end of the court. Caleb Martin is a solid defender and free-agent pick-up but certainly not elite defensively. Kelly Oubre notably struggles defensively. Overall, the Sixers have the star power to challenge the Celtics but must prove themselves in several ways.
1. New York Knicks
The New York Knicks made one of the biggest moves of the offseason by trading for Mikal Bridges. The acquisition of Bridges paired with the OG Anunoby’s extension gives the Knicks two elite defensive wings. These moves were clearly to match up with Tatum and Brown. With two all-defensive wings, the Knicks are better equipped than anyone to guard the Jays. Furthermore, Jalen Brunson is one of the league’s most prolific scorers and Julius Randle offers excellent production for a second option. The Knicks also have one of the league’s deepest benches highlighted by Donte DiVincenzo and Josh Hart.
Similar to Boston, the Knicks have an incredible level of balance and two-way excellence. With Jrue Holiday and Derrick White, the Celtics have the best defensive backcourt in the league which could allow them to contain Brunson. This highlights how the two teams are ideally equipped to stop the opposition’s star creating an intriguing matchup. The Celtics’ experience and offensive firepower give them the edge. Regardless, the Knicks will be Boston’s biggest challenge in the East.
The Last Word
The second spot was a toss-up between the Bucks and the 76ers. Both teams have reasons to believe in them, but also significant negatives. While the Sixers got the edge due to their overall talent, their playoff shortcomings and history of injuries make them incredibly difficult to trust. In my eyes, the Knicks are clearly the Celtics’ biggest threat due to how they match up with Boston and their overall roster balance.
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