The west does seem like more the wildcard at this point. The east seems like it's relegated to either Boston or the Bucks. I really can't see anyone else truly challenging. Sixers are interesting because embid can straight dominate but injuries. But 1-10 in the west it feels like such a coin toss. Gonna be a good playoffs out west this year.
Yes, if only Joel didn't get injured, it will be a good competition as well in the West, Boston, the Bucks and the Sixers trying to fight for the top spot. But it seems that Boston is taking it already, they are ahead by big margin and the Bucks losing tonight against the Warriors to also snap their winning streak after the all star break.
And with that huge win by the Warriors, they are still in the playoff fight or at least play-in. But it's not that big difference in total wins in the West as everything can change in a month as who will make it straight right in the playoffs.
As usual, it's going to be Bucks, Celtics and Heat who are likely gonna make it to the semi or ECF. Heat is still underrated until now as they haven't change a lot, but as we can see, they are still the same team that could beat any team in the NBA, even the Celtics. So as the playoffs is approaching, teams like the Miami Heat are going to take it more seriously so they will not miss the opportunity.
I can't wait to see a possible match up between Max Strus and his former team, this should be fun.
Butler vs Mitchell, a showdown of star players, although Mitchell has the edge in terms of atleticism but Butler's experience is going to be a big factor on the success of the Miami Heat.