2022-23 NBA Previews – Eastern Conference Odds
Looking for 2023 NBA Eastern Conference Predictions? We’ve got your back. Check out the odds for each of the 15 teams to win the conferenece.
2023 NBA Handicapping
Eastern Conference Season Preview
Eastern Conference Favorite: Boston Celtics +275
Here’s a look at the top teams out East in terms of odds to win the conference:
Boston Celtics
Head Coach: Joe Mazzulla
2021-22 Record: 51-31
Odds To Win Conference: +275
Much like the Warriors are favored in the West, the Celtics are tapped as the team to beat in the East given they are bringing back the majority of the core and bolstering their depth.
That said, the Celts begin the season under a microscope with Head Coach, Ime Udoka suspended for the entire campaign and Joe Mazzulla taking over the helm.
There are questions about this team which was highlighted in two preseason losses to the Raptors. Mazzulla elected to keep his starters on the court late into the match perhaps pinpointing a learning curve for the first-year head coach.
Marcus Smart took a spill and seemed to avoid serious injury but with Toronto resting Pascal Siakam (plus Gary Trent Jr. and Chris Boucher out due to injury), it was a curious choice to see Smart along with Jaylen Brown and Al Horford logging unnecessary late fourth quarter minutes.
Jayson Tatum wasn’t on the floor only because he was ejected after picking up his second tech for complaining and an unprecedented third tech for seemingly refusing to leave the court.
Although the Celtics shot the ball well, particularly from the perimeter they got annihilated on the glass which is going to be an issue against the lengthier and more athletic clubs.
Malcolm Brogdon was a positive addition, but he too left the game nursing an injury.
Without Robert Williams who’ll be out at least 12 weeks, it puts a ton of pressure on Horford to stay healthy and log extra minutes because of the lack of Boston depth at the five.
Mazzulla opted for three-guard lineups which only accentuates their problems on the glass and I wonder if the Celts will fall prey to the same issues the Hawks did the year after they tasted success.
Milwaukee Bucks
Head Coach: Mike Budenholzer
2021-22 Record: 51-31
Odds To Win Conference: +325
Some point to the Bucks purposely losing their final game to avoid the Nets in the first round as evidence for why they didn’t return to the finals last season but the more logical explanation was the absence of Khris Middleton.
Milwaukee benefits from being in the Central Division with four games against each of the Pistons and Pacers as opposed to the uber-competitive Atlanta Division.
Inarguably, the big advantage is the return of Middleton and the constancy of the roster. Giannis Antetokounmpo looked great in both the Euro Cup and preseason and will be eager to return to the Finals.
Brooklyn Nets
Head Coach: Steve Nash
2021-22 Record: 44-38
Odds To Win Conference: +425
Brooklyn has the stars and on paper look formidable but it’s hard to have faith this squad will be able to stay focused and not allow the off-court issues to seep into the locker room.
Theorthetically, Ben Simmons is better suited to play with Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and the floor spacers but he’s still adjusting, and though his passing, rebounding, and excellent defense are a given his shot still looks problematic as does his desire to shoot.
Until we’ve witnessed this team deal with adversity and what the roster looks like post trade deadline I’m channeling the ‘the boy who cried wolf’ excuse.
Philadelphia 76ers
Head Coach: Doc Rivers
2021-22 Record: 51-31
Odds To Win Conference: +650
A bit surprised the 76ers rank fourth given how much they did to bolster their depth in the offseason. Embiid specifically cited PJ Tucker as the type of grit the Sixers were missing prompting Daryl Morey to sign the gritty vet in free agency.
Philly kept their core consistency and added depth via Tucker, DeAnthony Melton, Montrezl Harrell, and Danuel House.
With a combination of perennial MVP candidate Joel Embiid, a healthier James, Harden, improving Tyrese Maxey and two-way depth the Sixers are poised to be among the top contenders in the Conference.
Full Updated Eastern Conference Odds:
- Boston Celtics +275
- Milwaukee Bucks +325
- Brooklyn Nets +425
- Philadelphia 76ers +650
- Miami Heat +850
- Cleveland Cavaliers +1200
- Atlanta Hawks +2500
- Toronto Raptors +2500
- Chicago Bulls +3300
- New York Knicks +6600
- Charlotte Hornets +10000
- Washington Wizards +12500
- Detroit Pistons +25000
- Indiana Pacers +25000
- Orlando Magic +25000
NBA Eastern Conference Prediction
The East has overtaken the West in terms of overall dominance and got even stronger this offseason with several teams making big moves to upgrade their talent.
While the Celtics and Bucks are tapped as the favorites to win the Conference it’s going to be a dogfight in the East with arguably 12 teams vying for playoff berths.
With the Atlantic full of talent and four of the five teams being strong playoff contenders it opens the door for the Bucks and Heat to gain an edge given they have the advantage of a slightly weaker Division. With that, I like the Bucks to win the Conference.
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