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The NBA season is starting tonight. The intrigue is deep this season, but there are some clear tiers in each conference. We will break down the tiers below.

Title Contenders

Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics

These are the best two teams in the conference, and it feels like they have separated themselves comparatively from the rest of the conference when it comes to the teams on paper. The Milwaukee Bucks were eliminated in the first round last year when Giannis Antentokounmpo went out with an injury for half of their series against the Heat.

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They added the best player that changed teams this offseason when they added Damian Lillard to free Giannis of all the ball handling and offensive load. Lillard helps to open up the middle of the floor, where Giannis becomes the best player in the world. They did lose Jrue Holiday, who is going to make a big impact on the defensive end.

Speaking of Jrue, he heads to the Boston Celtics. They are bringing back two of the best 20 players in the association, and having Jrue and Kristaps Porzingis join them should help take the load off of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. If these two don’t meet in the conference finals, their seasons are going to be disappointing.

Playoff Locks

Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat, New York Knicks

The 76ers should be able to make a decent run this season, as they still have the defending MVP of the league with Joel Embiid. However, they are currently being held up by a potential James Harden refusal to show up. If they get game 1 James Harden this season, they can make a real run. If not, they need a good haul from him and the ascension of Tyrese Maxey.

NBA Schedule 2023-24 – Key Dates:

• Oct. 24: Start of Regular Season.
• Nov. 3: NBA In-Season Tournament begins.
• Dec. 7: NBA In-Season Tournament Semifinals.
• Dec. 9: NBA In-Season Tournament Final.

The Miami Heat added Tyler Herro to their NBA Finals roster and didn’t lose much, but Jimmy Butler is another year older. Can he continue to play like Superman for portions of the playoffs?

The New York Knicks have a high floor, but a lower ceiling. I am not sure that they can make a run to the finals, and certainly can’t win it, but they have a very solid team and Jalen Brunson is a STUD. Can Julius Randle be regular season Julius Randle in the playoffs?

Others

Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks, Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors

Eastern Conference standings predictions

2023-24 NBA predictions: Knicks will be a top seed in the Eastern Conference https://t.co/2LFIswaqCr pic.twitter.com/3XMDRtkUnz

— New York Post (@nypost) October 24, 2023

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| Title: NBA Eastern Conference Preview
| Author: Matt Catton
| Date: October 25th, 2023