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And by make some noise i mean win multiple playoff series and a trip to the conference finals

Houston is the only real title contender to me. Really really impressed with them, KD has added the missing dimension and Sengun went up a level. They just need to make a move for a guard, and they have the assets..

San Antonio, Detroit could make a CF for sure with some luck. Both feel a piece away, especially shooting-wise, though. I’d also say their young stars still have another level to reach.

Not sold on any of the other 3. Perhaps a few years down the line or if they get a really favourable draw.

Houston, San Antonio and Detroit have an opportunity to be favored or close to 50/50 in a series.

I don't think I would favor San Antonio against Denver, OKC, Minnesota, Houston but I think they could make some good series against teams like Los Angeles (2x), Portland and Golden State.

If the brackets shake down right, Pistons absolutely could get to the ECF. If by chance they hung onto the #1 seed in the East (this means Cade has made a legit case for MVP), they could be in a situation where Knicks/Cavs meeting in the 2nd round.

From what I have seen, if the Pistons have their entire crew healthy, just can't see anyone else in the East beating them. I wanted to give Orlando the benefit of the doubt, but Mosley seems incapable of installing quality offense regardless of who is on the roster.

Houston and San Antonio depend on the matchups and there are no easy paths to conference Finals, unfortunately.

Houston is a genuine contender if KD is healthy in the playoffs.

In a relatively wide-open Eastern Conference it wouldn't be terribly surprising if the Pistons made the semi-finals or conference finals, particularly given how well they played against the Knicks last season.

Spurs I don't quite see it. But their core is super young, so it's possible that a couple of guys could take a leap during the season.

not sure why Houston is on this list, I wouldn't consider them a young team

https://nbaage.com/

Houston is going to be a tough out. Swarming defense, and well coached. And they now have a go-to bucket getter in Durant.

It would be a mistake not to take HOU seriously in the playoffs.

Rockets obviously. Pistons too. Spurs have that possibility. Can't see any of the other teams being a real threat to get past the first round. Sixers are hard to gauge. If they're magically healthy playoff time and Embiid is playing at an MVP level they might be the best team on the list but that is a huge IF and probably very unlikely

Chuck Everett wrote:If the brackets shake down right, Pistons absolutely could get to the ECF. If by chance they hung onto the #1 seed in the East (this means Cade has made a legit case for MVP), they could be in a situation where Knicks/Cavs meeting in the 2nd round.

From what I have seen, if the Pistons have their entire crew healthy, just can't see anyone else in the East beating them.

You would not favor the Pistons over the Cavaliers

I have Houston second to OKC come playoff time so yes to the Rockets. They may even be better than OKC if fully healthy.

Detroit will be a problem with Jalen Duren leveling up. Hope to see another Knicks vs Pistons match up.

And the Spurs are so far ahead of schedule due to Wemby. But they won't contend. Next year? Different story. But they are just too inexperienced right now.

Special_Puppy wrote:

Chuck Everett wrote:If the brackets shake down right, Pistons absolutely could get to the ECF. If by chance they hung onto the #1 seed in the East (this means Cade has made a legit case for MVP), they could be in a situation where Knicks/Cavs meeting in the 2nd round.

From what I have seen, if the Pistons have their entire crew healthy, just can't see anyone else in the East beating them.

You would not favor the Pistons over the Cavaliers

You didn't put a question mark on the end of that sentence, but I am assuming it's a question. Now that Garland is having a setback with the same toe, I'm not sure.

With Ivey, Tobias, Sasser and the rest of those guys healthy, I would favor Detroit over Cleveland if Garland is going to remain hobbled or worse injured and unavailable. Hopefully, he can get past this.

Aside from Knicks/Cavs, I believe Pistons would beat the other EC teams in the playoffs.

Was the Orlando Magic an intentional exclusion?