Updated Eastern Conference Standings (1/14): Boston Remains Ahead of the Rest of the Conference

The Hawks remain out of the playoff race after their blowout loss to the Wizards

Author:
Jackson Caudell
Publish date:
Jan 14, 2024 4:24 PM EST

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The Eastern Conference still looks like it is going to run through Boston this season.

The Celtics continue to look like the most complete team in the NBA and have a three game lead for the top spot. They have a deep roster that they could add to ahead of the trade deadline if they wish , but this looks like the team to beat not only in the East, but the NBA.

Milwaukee remains in second place, but they still have a lot of defensive issues they need to sort out if they hope to make a deep playoff run.

Philadelphia is in third place, but they are in danger of falling further. While they are in third, they are only two and a half games of being in the play-in tournament. The good news is Joel Embiid should return soon from his injury and get the team back to on track.

Indiana and Cleveland are in 4th and 5th place. Indiana is 2-0 without Tyrese Haliburton and will need to keep playing well until he comes back. The Cavaliers have been winning and playing well, and that is without star guard Darius Garland. There is no set date for Garland to return, but the Cavs are a team to watch down the stretch.

Ever since trading for OG Anunoby, The Knicks have been playing well and they are in 6th plac, but only by a half game. New York is another team to watch at the trade deadline.

Benedict Mathurin vs the Hawks
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Heat, Magic, Bulls, and Nets are the play-in teams right now. Miami is the only one that I think is a threat, if they can get healthy.

Atlanta and Toronto are not far behind the Nets for the last play in spot, but neither team is playing very well. Atlanta just lost by 28 at home to the Wizards.

Charlotte, Washington, and Detroit remain the bottom three teams.