2022-23 Eastern Conference record predictions: Seeds 1-8
Here is my first through eight seed predictions based on the offseason additions and subtractions. I also took into consideration which teams had young cores going into their primes and organizational relationships with star players.
Eighth Seed: Cleveland Cavaliers
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2021-22 Season Record: (44-38)
When looking at this Cavaliers team, they don’t look like your typical eight-seed prediction. They could be anywhere from a play-in team to a top-five team in the east. With the acquisition of Donovan Mitchell, the team makes a good move to build a future powerhouse. This team could just as likely finish way higher than the eighth seed.
2022-23 Season Prediction: (45-38)
Seventh Seed- Brooklyn Nets
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2021-22 Season Record: 44-38
The Nets have a strong group but are lower in the standings because Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Ben Simmons are all unpredictable in terms of their health and their relationship with the organization. These three players have a history of wanting out of an organization when things start not going their way. If they have good chemistry and stay healthy, this will be a serious threat in the East.
2022-23 Season Prediction: (45-37)
Sixth Seed: Atlanta Hawks
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2021-22 Season Record: (43-39)
This Hawks team could turn out to be a huge problem. The addition of Dejounte Murray will take a lot of pressure off Trae Young at the guard spot and allow more possibilities on offense.
2022-23 Season Prediction: (47-35)
Fifth Seed: Miami Heat
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2021-22 Season Record: (51-31)
The former first seed, the Miami Heat, will still make some noise this season. They are placed fifth because they still have their key guys but have not gained anything major in the offseason. If anything, they lost a great system player in PJ Tucker. Therefore, I do not see them as a better team than the previous season.
2022-23 Season Prediction: (49-33)
Fourth Seed: Toronto Raptors
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2021-22 Season Record: (48-34)
At four, I have the Raptors, who have kept their core players and are a young team with championship experience and time together, as four of the current players on the roster were a part of the Raptors’ 2019 championship team. All of the starters are in their prime and, if not, going into their prime in the next year or two.
2022-23 Season Prediction: (51-31)
Third Seed: Milwaukee Bucks
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2021-22 Season Record: (51-31)
At three, The Milwaukee Bucks have been a consistent team before and after their championship back in 2021. The Bucks have fortified their group from last season by adding wing player Joe Ingles. In Ingles, the Bucks gain another forward who can spread the floor for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Antetokounmpo and his supporting cast have great chemistry and will be in the same tier they were last season. I have no doubt that this team will dominate the league.
2022-23 Season Prediction: (53-29)
Second Seed: Philadelphia 76ers
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2021-22 Season Record: (51-31)
At two, The 76ers have made significant off-season improvements. The biggest factor for the 76ers’ season is James Harden. Harden has been working on his game and body to put himself in a position to win. The 76ers have kept their core group of Embiid, Harden, Tobias Harris, and Tyrese Maxey while adding defensive presence, PJ Tucker, and former Sixth Man of the Year Montrezl Harrell.
2022-23 Season Prediction: (57-25)
First Seed: Boston Celtics
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2021-22 Season Record: (51-31)
At number one, I predict the Boston Celtics will be the first seed. Coming off an NBA Finals appearance, this team knows what it takes to be the best in the East and still has its core group. Not only do they have their core group, but they have added Malcolm Brogdon, Danilo Gallinari, and Blake Griffin. These additions strengthen the team’s offense. I especially like Brogdon for the Celtics because he is another guard who can take on the playmaking role in the offense to relieve Marcus Smart.
2022-23 Season Prediction: (60-22)