Earlier than the season, Boston and Milwaukee gave the impression to be clear prime canines within the Jap Convention, and Philadelphia — even whereas coping with the nonstop headache that was James Harden — regarded like a cushty, if not distant, third. After that? Indiana, Miami, Cleveland, New York and perhaps even Atlanta regarded like groups that would snag fourth within the East. These groups making a deep playoff run, although, felt much less lifelike.
However as we close to the All-Star break, Cleveland and New York are enjoying in addition to anybody within the league. And, in gentle of Milwaukee’s unprecedented midseason teaching change and 76ers heart Joel Embiid’s harm woes, Boston’s major competitors within the East is immediately the Knicks and Cavaliers.
Heading into Thursday’s video games, the Cavs (33-16) are in sole possession of second within the East, whereas the Knicks (33-18) are tied with Milwaukee for third. Should you blinked, you will have missed the gorgeous turnarounds by New York and Cleveland.