NBA Preview: Eastern Conference Storylines

Not too long ago, we broke down the NBA Division power rankings. Now, we’re previewing how each of the six divisions are looking heading to the 2021-22 NBA season. We look at the Eastern Conference’s divisions, the dominating storylines involving the relevant teams plus their online sports betting odds. 

Eastern Conference Top Storylines

Atlantic Division: Stars on the Move

Brooklyn Shaky Favorite: It might seem like a foregone conclusion that the Nets will win the division. The team will get center LaMarcus Aldridge back. But the Nets will need to stay healthy. Brooklyn was 10-3 when Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving all played together. But this team’s All-Star lineup is often injured and the defense is still “meh.” 

Boston Could Have Renaissance: The Celtics were plagued by injuries last season but reloaded its roster, shipping away oft-injured guard Kemba Walker to get big man Al Horford back. The team also cut some dead weight and acquired guards Dennis Schroder and Josh Richardson. With a new coach in Ime Udoka, Boston could reclaim the division as +850 on the NBA betting lines.  

Can the Sixers Win Without Simmons? Ben Simmons is on his way out of Philadelphia. The All-Star guard is pulling a James Harden by threatening to quit the team. At some point, Simmons will get traded.. But for the meantime, they will be a man short and Philly only went 7-7 last season without Simmons in the lineup.

Central Division: Bucks or Bust?

Bucks Locks of the East: Unless the Bucks get decimated by injuries, there is little reason to bet online for another team but Milwaukee in the Central. The Bucks have won the division in each of the three seasons that coach Mike Budenholzer has been with the team. And even if Milwaukee has a “championship hangover,” the rest of the division is miles behind.

Bulls or Pacers: Who Has Improved More? The easy answer may be Chicago since no Eastern team has tinkered with its lineup more. The Bulls added four-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan and Lonzo Ball and should be a better team on paper. Meanwhile, the Pacers got coach Rick Carlisle back and if he can unlock this team’s potential, Indiana might just nip at Milwaukee’s heels.

Can’t knock the hustle. #NoBrakes | @CadeCunningham_ pic.twitter.com/UdCe2WI56m

— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) September 24, 2021

Pistons are Exciting Bad Team: Detroit won’t be winning many games and could, in fact, finish last in the NBA. But this team will be fun to watch with its collection of young talent led by first overall pick Cade Cunningham leading the charge. 

Southeast Division: Two-Team Race

Can Hawks Soar Over Heat? Despite being second in the NBA odds, the Hawks have more continuity and could be even better with a full season under coach Nate McMillan. Atlanta finished with a 27-11 record under him last season, the best mark in the East. Miami acquired All-Star guard Kyle Lowry and has won the division three times in the last seven seasons. This could be the tightest race in this NBA betting preview.

Improved Hornets Could Be Threat: Charlotte had a winning record (25-23) until star forward Gordon Hayward was lost for the season. The team didn’t sit on its laurels and acquired a mix of veterans and rookies to bolster the roster. LaMelo Ball and the young core should be even better this season.

Beal Remains a Wizard … For Now: The three-time All-Star has averaged 30.9 points in his last two seasons with Washington and it was mostly for nothing. The team shipped away fellow All-Star Russell Westbrook for a collection of role players. Beal insists he wants to stay in Washington, but the Wizards are unlikely to do anything but contend for another play-in spot.