NBA: 2 sentence summaries for each East team’s season thus far
By Weston Titus
Atlantic Division
Boston Celtics (31-12, 1st in East)
Boston just keeps winning games, with the only real questions being in the backend of the rotation. If they can figure out how to beat the bottomfeeders, they’ll easily secure home court through the entire playoffs.
Brooklyn Nets (27-14, 2nd in East)
Brooklyn finally found some on and off-court stability, and it has led to the success this team has expected for four seasons now. If they can stay afloat and out of trouble with Kevin Durant out for the next month, they’ll have a shot against anyone in the playoffs.
New York Knicks (24-19, 6th in East)
Coach Tom Thibodeau finally tried playing the young guys, and it has led to increased success and optimism, albeit with a lot of inconsistency. It still feels like they’re that big New York-sized splash away from truly solidifying themselves and finding the star power they want.
Philadelphia 76ers (25-16, 5th in East)
Philly has done a great job of stabilizing after a troubling start, and they look more like the contenders that experts thought they would be. Still, questions remain about the defensive viability of a Harden-Maxey backcourt in an extended playoff stretch, and how coach Doc Rivers will arrange their bench.
Toronto Raptors (19-23, 10th in East)
The Raptors have had one of the more tumultuous seasons of anyone this year, and they may hold the keys to the Trade Deadline for the entire NBA. If things don’t turn around fast, huge changes could be underway in the 6ix as Toronto gauges its options toward buying OR selling.