NBA: Eastern Conference Race is Compelling Post-LeBron
For the first time in a few years, the Eastern Conference race is wide open, complete with new stars and teams ready to enter the spotlight.
As it stands now, we’re about six weeks away from the start of the NBA Playoffs. Locally, the Washington Wizards are becoming more of a long-shot to appear, yet as a whole, the Eastern Conference looks to be more intriguing than it has in years.
Of course, that’s mostly because the LeBron James-sized elephant is finally out of the room, leaving the door open for a new team to represent the conference in the NBA Finals. On top of that, all the new blood that could potentially be that team is compelling. Like the big tree that once stunted the growth of its neighbors, taking LeBron out of the equation evens the playing field and allows Eastern Conference players/teams to have the spotlight all to themselves.
In past years, it’s pretty much been LeBron, his mates, and everyone else. These days, there are a few favorites, like the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers, but All-Stars like Blake Griffin and D’Angelo Russell will be getting postseason shine with their new teams for the first time, and there’s something awfully fascinating about that prospect.
Russell and Griffin, for instance, lead teams — №6 Brooklyn and №7 Detroit — currently in the Top 8 that weren’t there last year.
The №8 seed, which currently belongs to Charlotte, is the one spot that I believe isn’t as intriguing as it could be. After all, it comes down to watchability during the playoffs. Yes, Charlotte wasn’t there last year and that’s cool but their star, Kemba Walker, is firmly on his way out the door. Washington, even though they’re sort of a mess, would be a much better television product come playoff time; Bradley Beal is in for the long haul and their two newest stars, Jabari Parker and Bobby Portis, are exciting characters with solid storylines.
Right now, unfortunately, the Wizards are in the №11 spot, the last spot that actually has a chance. After Washington, it’s the junk teams that have no shot — №12 Atlanta, №13 Chicago, etc.
In between Washington and Charlotte is the boring duo from Florida — №9 Orlando and №10 Miami — that definitely won’t make for good playoff viewing. Seeing Dwyane Wade one last time would be sentimental and all but that’s all they have going for them. If it can’t be Washington, then I’d rather see Charlotte; Miami would be semi-passable, and Orlando would be a complete bummer.
Most teams have around 22 games remaining, meaning we’re coming into the best time for regular season basketball. Playoff intensity around the league is being activated so you can expect legitimate efforts from teams competing for playoff spots in each conference.
For serious and casual bettors, it’s the truest time, besides the playoffs, to try and cash in because you actually know what you’re getting. If you’re left scrutinizing each and every game, it helps to have a great source; you can get odds via Sports Betting Dime that compares various odds right up until tip-off.
Bettor or not, get ready for a fun ride in the Eastern Conference over the next few months. For the first time in years, we’re going to get a race that doesn’t have a heavy-duty favorite going in.