[IslandPrincess]

Definitely a hot take, but the Nets still haven't convinced me that they're a lock for Eastern Conference Champion. It feels like it's a given at this point that it's going to be the Lakers vs. the Nets. While I agree that the Lakers are most likely going back to contend for a back-to-back, the Nets don't feel like they can go all the way. Even then, if they do happen to go all the way, I don't see them beating the Lakers (mainly, who's going to stop AD). The way the Nets are constructed with their 3 superstars don't feel like a championship team to me. KD and Kyrie's egos bother me and at that point James Harden is the default leader/most stable player. And this might be holding them accountable for something so picky... but they dropped 2 games back-to-back to the Cavs and I'm pretty sure all 3 were healthy for one game, and only Kyrie was out the other. That just ain't a good look lmao. Although, I'll give them an excuse, it was early on after acquiring Harden so maybe they hadn't meshed yet.

If you were to ask me who is a lock for Eastern Conference Champion, I'd say there is no definitive answer. It would have to be a blood bath and we'll see who comes out on top. I will say that the 76ers are looking really good and I'd have them at the best chance to stop the Lakers 2peat.

[TheChampM]

They can certainly outscore teams but they don't play defense so if they match up with a team shooting at the same or a better rate, things can get a little complicated for them. They basically traded their defensive players

[User18380]

The only clear champ on the east is the Wizards

[Jemonddfdddd]

At least now I think they should. They have been playing extremely well with better defense now and winning without kd