It’s been a long and confusing summer in the NBA, but finally, competition is back in full swing. For the basketball fans of the world, a return to this beloved sport and its familiar characters feels like dropping into bed after a long and arduous business trip — sweet, sweet relief. To celebrate in style, we’re going to take a very brief look at the outlook for every team in the Eastern Conference. Check back tomorrow, when we do the same thing for every team in the NBA’s Western Conference!
The NBA pendulum has swung in the East’s favor in recent years with a great number of true contenders and superstar talent. Almost every team believes it should be pushing ahead into the Playoff picture — even if it’s not in their best interest to go there. This hope is certainly prevalent in the Southeast Divison, where there appear to be more questions than answers.
1-sentence Eastern Conference predictions: Southeast Division of the NBA.
Charlotte Hornets: You’re heading to the NBA Draft Lottery whether you like it or not.
Washington Wizards: No in-between: Best team in the NBA some nights & worst team on others.
Miami Heat: Jimmy’s braids being the most significant offseason addition comes back to bite ya.
Atlanta Hawks: Dejounte & Trae fit, but not well enough to get past the first round of the Playoffs.
Orlando Magic: Flirts with the Play-In Tournament only to drop off the face of the Earth for Scoot.