Celtics
ESPN has the Celtics ending first within the Jap Convention for the primary time since 2016-17.
With Brad Stevens including one other All-Star expertise subsequent to Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown this offseason, expectations will likely be excessive for the 2023-24 Celtics.
ESPN appears to agree, because the community’s new win-loss predictions for the upcoming NBA season tabs Boston as the highest seed within the Jap Convention standings.
Of their submit, ESPN has the Celtics ending first within the convention for the primary time since 2016-17 off of a report of 55-27.
Their projections have Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks ending simply behind Boston with a 54-28 report, and the Cleveland Cavaliers rounding out the highest three with a 50-32 report.
ESPN additionally lists the 76ers (47-35), Miami Warmth (46-36), and the New York Knicks (46-36) as the opposite high contenders within the East this season.
The Celtics boast probably the most gifted rosters on paper coming into the brand new season. A core anchored by Tatum and Brown is already the most effective within the NBA. The addition of Kristaps Porizingis added a much-needed factor as a confirmed scorer within the submit and a poised pick-and-roll defender.
Derrick White can be set for a bigger position, whereas reigning Sixth Man of the Yr Malcolm Brogdon is slated to return alongside different key cogs in Robert Williams and Al Horford.
Nevertheless, there are nonetheless loads of query marks surrounding Boston in 2023-24. With Marcus Good dealt to Memphis as a part of the Porzingis deal and Grant Williams now in Dallas, Boston has misplaced loads of its defensive fortitude, particularly on the perimeter with Good.
As gifted as this present roster is, gamers like Porzingis and Robert Williams even have a prolonged historical past in relation to accidents.
But when each large males can stay wholesome, the Celtics needs to be seen as one of many favorites for a deep run throughout the 2023-24 season.
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