What Could Stop These Favorites In The 2023 Eastern Conference Playoffs?
Updated: Sep 10, 2023
What could stop the top three teams in the east from a finals push?
The Eastern Conference has been competitive all year, and three clear favorites have emerged for the playoffs. The Celtics, Bucks, and 76ers have been the top three teams in the East and each of them has legitimate title aspirations. However good these teams may be, there are still some things that can stop them. Here is one thing that could stop each of these contenders.
76ers: James Harden Regressing
Joel Embiid has had an MVP-caliber year averaging 33 points per game. Embiid has carried the 76ers this season and he has them in a top-three spot. Last season many were clamoring that James Harden was washed and he responded by averaging 21 points and 11 assists. Harden isn’t what he once was, but he has carved out a viable role for himself on the 76ers. The question is if he is good enough to be a second option, especially with his playoff meltdowns.
James Harden has had a good year so far, but Harden will need to increase his scoring production. The Celtics are a very likely second-round matchup for the Sixers and they have two bonafide star scorers who are proven stars in the playoffs as well. The 76ers have one consistent superstar scorer. Harden regresses in the playoffs usually and this season is key for him. Harden will need to be more aggressive and at least average 25 points per game or more. Harden will make or break the 76ers’ chances.
Celtics: Inconsistent play
The Celtics have been a great team all year, they’ve had nights where they look like the best team in the NBA, and they’ve had nights where they look like a lottery team. Jayson Tatum needs to prove he can be the best player on a championship team, and there is a good chance he will prove it this year.
Tatum had a rough finals stretch last year averaging only 20 points per game on less than his usual average field goal percentage. Before the finals, he was having a great playoff stretch leading the NBA in points. This may have been due to a wrist injury in the second round of the playoffs that was later revealed.
Tatum aside, the Celtics have been a very inconsistent team. Just one week back displays that. The Celtics got run off the court by the Wizards without Bradley Beal. In the next game, they beat the championship favorite Milwaukee Bucks by 41. The Celtics play down to their opponents, and their not establishing the tone from the start and playing inconsistently will stop them from a championship.
Bucks: Consistent Second Scorer
The Bucks have been terrific this year but one thing that can stop them is not having a consistent scorer. Giannis has been terrific as usual on his way to averaging over 30 points this season. Holiday has stepped up a lot becoming an all-star. However, the playoffs are a different breed. Khris Middleton has struggled so far this year averaging 15 points. That is not enough production from him.
Jrue has been great this year but he’s not known for elevating his game in the playoffs. Jrue stays around the same level averaging 17 points per game on low 40% shooting from the field. Jrue might not be enough of an elite scorer to complement Giannis in the playoffs. The Bucks will need more consistent production from Middleton, and a high-level Jrue Holiday in the playoffs to contend for a championship.
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