If the Brooklyn Nets are in a complete roster all throughout the playoffs if they will clinch which I think they will, I think I will pick for them as the Eastern Conference Champion. Even though they are at the bottom spot right now, many bettors are betting them as the NBA champions this season because of how great the roster is right now. With regards to Simmons, we still don't know if he will be a perfect fit for the team because we still don't see him in the court but nevertheless, the Nets are in a 4 game winning streak right now and they already have the momentum and I just hope this winning streak will continue.
There's a chance on that but I think you might forgot that Kyrie Irving is only eligible to play road games because New York City does have a strict mandate about it. Yes, they are one of the top prospects on winning this season but when it comes to the series match they will be crippled at times especially when they are facing other tough teams in the East. Also, I hope Simmons will meet the teams expectation because if not then he will become another hinder in the team to win.
Well, I completely forgot about Kyrie Irving's availability to play because I remembered that I heard that they will lessen the strictness of NYC and its rules.
Since you already said about the availability or Irving, he is selfish that he chooses not to vaccine rather than increasing his chances of winning another championship in Brooklyn. If Kyrie will only be playing in road games, I doubt that they will get the ring. Regarding Simmons, I'm not expecting too much from him because it seems that he doesn't really wanna play at all or he will only play in the playoffs but nevertheless I also hope that he will be a good fit for the team or he will be a liability to the team.