Eastern Conference Predictions
5. Detroit Pistons 
The Detroit Pistons have improved very much under Stan Van Gundy and I feel that they’re ready to take the next step in the Eastern Conference. We all know that Andre Drummond is a beast and once Reggie Jackson comes back he’ll give them solid production so that means the difference of being a 5 seed or out of the playoffs depends on guys like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Tobias Harris. If KCP can improve his shooting and become more consistent and more confident shooting outside of the three point line then this will really help stretch the floor and give them the sharpshooter that they don’t have. Tobias Harris in order to really impact the game will need to provide them with more rebounding and scoring. I would like to see Tobias give them 25 point games when they need someone to do that. As good as Drummond is he’s not a real scorer and that leaves it solely up to Reggie Jackson and coming back from injury that’s a lot of pressure on him so Tobias will have to step up and give them more scoring.
Strengths: Rebounding, Physicality
Weaknesses: Shooting, Experience
6. Atlanta Hawks 
The Atlanta Hawks may not be the most attractive team in the NBA but they are definitely one of the most consistent. The Hawks are unselfish and knows how to win games. Their key losses are Jeff Teague and Al Horford both key guys to that franchise but they’ve replaced them with Dennis Schroder and Dwight Howard respectively. Schroder will give the Hawks more production on both sides of the ball and my only problem with him is his shooting. He hasn’t yet developed a consistent three point shot and that will hurt his close out and big play abilities. The other difference maker will be Dwight Howard. He is replacing an all star in Al Horford and returning to his home town. I’m not stating this to apply pressure on him but to show how important this year will be for Dwight and I fully expect him to average around 17 ppg and 12 rpg.
Strengths : Ball Movement, Defense
Weaknesses: Lack of Consistent Shooters
7. Chicago Bulls 
The Chicago Bulls are one of the biggest uncertainties coming into the new season and has a lot of questions around them. From what I’ve seen of them early on they look very impressive. Dwayne Wade has added a three point shot and hasn’t loss a step on the offensive side, pair that up with how good Jimmy Butler is on the defensive side along with being able to get his own shot and you have one of the better duos in the NBA. Who better to assist this duo then one of the best passers in the league in Rajon Rondo. This big three of sorts works very well together and with the big man help of Bobby Portis and Nikola Mitotic on the offensive side as well as Robin Lopez on the defensive side, this team looks like one of the biggest threats in the Eastern Conference and has the ability to beat their first round opponent.
Strengths: Defense, Ball Movement
Weaknesses: Shooting,Shooting, and more SHOOTING
8. Milwaukee Bucks 
The Bucks are one of the best up and coming teams in the NBA and I see them making it back to the playoffs this year led by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jabari Parker. The Khris Middelton injury is a big loss to them and with him I could’ve see them as high as the 5 seed in the East. In order to make the playoffs without Khris then everyone will have to do their part. Jabari Parker needs to be at least an 18 ppg scorer to take the load off of Giannis and the bench will have to give them big production. Antetokounmpo is my most improved player of the year and I see him in the all star game. He will average a near triple double and him playing the point guard position will really help the offense of the Bucks. Their offense doesn’t move so hopefully this switch will help the ball movement. The key pickup of Matthew Dellavodova really helps improve the shooting of this Bucks team and gives them a lockdown defender at the point guard position since Giannis won’t be guarding point guards. If everything goes right I see the Bucks making the playoffs but if it doesn’t then teams like the Wizards, Magic, and Knicks can take their spot.
Strengths: Size, Versatility
Weaknesses: Ball Movement, Shooting
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