By: Beckett Wiswell
- Boston Celtics (6-1)
The defending champions retain their top spot thanks to a strong start. The Celtics opened the season with a 132-109 blowout of the New York Knicks. Since then, they’ve continued their fine form, led by Jayson Tatum having an MVP-caliber season averaging 30-7-4. The Celtics have mastered the modern NBA offense, shooting 38% from 3-point range on over 50 attempts a game. They will only get more dangerous with the lingering return of Kristaps Porzingis and should be favorites to repeat.
- Oklahoma City Thunder (6-0)
The Thunder are poised to run the league for the foreseeable future. With young stars in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, there are few holes to be found on the roster. After winning the Western Conference last year, the Thunder added Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein to fill the holes in the starting lineup. While Hartenstein has yet to play with a hand injury and Caruso has struggled mightily offensively, the Thunder remain undefeated and should be favorites in the West.
- Cleveland Cavaliers (7-0)
The Cavaliers are off to their best start since 1976 behind big wins over the Knicks, Lakers, and Bucks. Donovan Mitchell has continued to be the team’s leader, even hitting a game-winner against the Bucks this past week. A major factor in the teams’ success so far this season has been impressive shooting. With seven players shooting over 40% from 3-point range, the Cavaliers can deal with cold shooting nights from Mitchell and Garland. Combined with the dynamic inside duo of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, the Cavaliers look to be the Celtic’s fiercest competition in the East.
- Phoenix Suns (5-1)
The Suns are finally playing at the level we expected when they added Bradley Beal in 2023. It seems the offense has finally started to mesh, while the defense has had some much-needed improvements. However, maybe the biggest reason for this improvement was the under-the-radar signing of Tyus Jones. The former Memphis Grizzlies has an assist-to-turnover ratio of 8.2 to start the season and has been the perfect addition to a team that struggled to find its identity a year ago.
- New York Knicks (3-2)
The new-look Knicks have not been quite as good as expected. Following a blowout loss to the Celtics on opening night, the team has struggled to find its footing but finds itself with a 3-2 record, with its only other loss coming to the Cavaliers. The Knicks shocked the NBA world when they elected to trade Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo for Karl-Anthony Towns. A move that effectively broke up the Villanova Knicks. The Knicks have plenty of firepower but very little depth in the current look. They are asking a lot of Miles McBride off the bench, who has so far carried the load well. I imagine this team will make some moves but has all the talent to compete in the East.
Honorable Mentions: Dallas Mavericks (4-2), Golden State Warriors (5-1), and Los Angeles Lakers (4-2)