There have been plenty of moving parts in the Eastern Conference this year. It’s likely that all of the movement isn’t even entirely over yet.
We’re still waiting on the Brooklyn Nets with a potential Kevin Durant trade and we’re also waiting to see if Donovan Mitchell will eventually end up in New York with the Knicks.
Despite the unknown, there are still plenty of intriguing bets that we can place in the Eastern Conference. Here are the top five best value bets for season wins in the Eastern Conference.
Favorite Teams to Win in the Eastern Conference
Celtics Over 54.5 Wins (-140)
The Boston Celtics only won 51 games in the regular season last year. But that was due to a slow start with a new head coach. After 40 games into the season, the Celtics really turned it up on both ends of the floor and became one of the best teams in the NBA.
I highly doubt that Kevin Durant comes over to Boston, but if he does, there will be even more value for the Celtics. The Celtics will likely start with the same starting five as last year. That team took them to the NBA Finals.
The depth will still include Peyton Pritchard and Grant Williams along with Derrick White. However, the squad also added Malcolm Brogdon and Danilo Gallinari to the bench.
The Celtics now have an intriguing bench and are very deep. That’s why they shouldn’t bother with Durant and keep what they have. I like the Celtics to reach at least 55 wins this season.
76ers Under 49.5 Wins (+110)
The 76ers also finished with 51 wins last year and went 27-14 on the road. Is that sustainable for Philadelphia? This team is in need of James Harden becoming the player he used to be.
Lately, every year, he seems to put in less effort on the court. His three-point shot is broken and he rarely contributes on the defensive end. That’s not going to help this team win games.
Joel Embiid will lead this team and he’ll be great, but we know he’ll miss a few games, if not more, because of an injury. Tyrese Maxey can score but can he do anything else?
Lastly, the 76ers are stuck with an inconsistent Tobias Harris. Meanwhile, P.J. Tucker was their big free agency deal. I’m good.
Hawks Over 46.5 (-115)
The Atlanta Hawks finished eighth in the Eastern Conference of the NBA last season with 43 wins. They went just 16-25 on the road but were extremely good on their home floor.
The Hawks look a bit different this year. Trae Young will pair up with Dejounte Murray at guard. That could be a special duo. They’ve been playing together in Pro-Am and should be able to gain some legitimate chemistry before the season.
De’Andre Hunter, John Collins, and Clint Capela are due back and the depth on the bench includes Bogdan Bogdanovic, Moe Harkless, and Onyeka Okongwu. This team is so deep with Aaron Holiday and Frank Kaminsky being the other rotation guys.
If the Hawks can just gain a few more wins on their road, they’ll get over 46.5 wins.
Wizards Under 35.5 Wins (-110)
The Wizards were able to retain Bradley Beal. He’ll start with Monte Morris, who was also signed during Free Agency. This group will have Corey Kispert, Kyle Kuzma, and Kristaps Porzingis to round out the front court.
Is this team really better than last year? Will Barton and Rui Hachimura will probably come off the bench along with Delon Wright, Demi Avdija, and Daniel Gafford.
They also have Daniel Gafford, plus a potential standout rookie in Johnny Davis, but I’m not so sure that this team does any better than last year.
Pistons Over 28.5 Wins (-105)
The Pistons finished with just 23 wins on the season and went 18-34 in conference play, but I still like how this team is starting to shape up.
Detroit will be led by Cade Cunningham, who has proven that he could eventually be a massive triple-double threat. He’ll play alongside Saddiq Bey, who has the potential to be a big-time scorer in this league.
The Pistons have depth this year. Alec Burks, Kemba Walker, Killian Hayes, Corey Joseph, Hamidou Diallo, Rodney McGruder, Isaiah Livers, Nerlens Noel, and Kelly Olynyk all figure to get some playing time with the Pistons.
There are no stars on this roster other than Cade and Saddiq, but there are players that can gel and make things happen. I like the Pistons this year.
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