How does the remainder of the NBA stack up with the Celtics after the conclusion of the Cup?

The NBA Cup has now come and gone. In its finale, we noticed the Milwaukee Bucks, who began the season 2-8, face off towards and in the end beat the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, the #1 seed within the West, to grow to be the second ever NBA Cup Champions. So, what did we be taught concerning the state of the league via this quick journey?

The Celtics are at the moment sitting at 2nd within the East with a file of 21-5. Kristaps Porzingis ended up making his season debut a lot sooner than anticipated. Jayson Tatum has stored himself steadily within the MVP dialog. Payton Pritchard has emerged as a reputable Sixth Man of the Yr candidate, too. It’s secure to say that Boston appears to be like like they’re in fine condition thus far.

As for the remainder of the league, we’ve seen an honest quantity of shakeup since we final took a take a look at the state of the league in mid-November.

Right here’s how issues stand now:

*Information and standings as of December 18, 2024*

High Threats:

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Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder – 1st in West (20-5): The Thunder are sitting firmly within the driver’s seat out within the West, and have been doing so whereas lacking arguably their second-best participant for a major period of time. Chet Holmgren hasn’t performed a single sport for the reason that final time we took a take a look at the league, but the Thunder have gone 12-3. That’s been assisted by the truth that Isaiah Hartenstein lastly made his debut for them, and he’s slot in seamlessly. They’re an especially effectively coached group that performs very freely, they usually’re a group that may actually drop an avalanche on you after they get in a groove. The one factor working towards them actually is their inexperience, however talent-wise, they appear like they’re clearly the subsequent finest group behind the Celtics, and are certainly the largest risk to Boston’s championship aspirations this 12 months.

New York Knicks – fifth in East (16-10 || 0-1 vs Cs): The Knicks acquired off to a little bit of a gradual begin to the season at 4-5, however have since began to search out extra of a rhythm. That’s thanks in massive half as a consequence of Karl Anthony Cities discovering his function on the group and beginning to look nearly dominant at occasions. He’s averaging slightly below 25 factors alongside together with his near-14 rebounds per sport. His efficiency has actually been a sport changer for this group, and Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Miles McBride all discovering their complimentary offensive roles has the Knicks trying like actual contenders. The Knicks are nonetheless anticipating Mitchell Robinson to make his season debut on the finish of January, too. Boston might have wiped the ground with New York on opening night time, however I’d be keen to wager that the entire remaining video games find yourself being a lot, a lot nearer going ahead.

Different Potential Challengers:

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Cleveland Cavaliers – 1st in East (23-4 || 1-1 vs Cs): The Cavs stay close to the highest of the checklist with regards to threats towards the Celtics. They’ve continued their stellar play thus far, though they now not maintain the right file which that they had the final time we checked out them. All indications level to them being an excellent group, however I personally really feel a bit much less fearful of them than I did beforehand. The Cavs and Celtics have break up the season collection thus far, each video games being determined by lower than 5 factors every. Within the matchup, Cleveland has regarded very beatable, although. I don’t suppose a collection towards them can be straightforward by any means, however I do really feel as if the Celtics have the sting matchup sensible. Respect must be given the place due, although, and as such, Cleveland will keep near the highest of the checklist of threats.

Dallas Mavericks – 4th in West (17-9): Dallas has been taking part in exceptionally effectively regardless of some lineup inconsistencies right here and there. P.J. Washington appears to have solidified himself because the third most essential participant on that roster, and has completed an incredible job of serving to out Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Guys like Naji Marshall and Quentin Grimes have additionally confirmed to be nice additions for them, particularly on the defensive finish of the court docket. Dallas appears improved from final 12 months, and it’s not unrealistic to count on them to play with an additional chip on the shoulder after coming quick within the Finals final 12 months.

Denver Nuggets – fifth in West (14-10): The Nuggets have had an uglier season than they had been possible anticipating. Aaron Gordon missed important time with an harm, and Nikola Jokic additionally missed a number of video games as a consequence of private causes. What’s possible been an even bigger issue, although, has been the underwhelming efficiency from Jamal Murray to this point. It’s going to be laborious for Denver to compete with their second-best participant taking part in sub-par, however Jokic has really taken his sport to a different stage, which is insane to say contemplating he already has 3 MVP trophies. The group lacks in depth and firepower at this level, however they’ll nonetheless go toe-to-toe with anybody within the league, and are reported to be energetic within the commerce market to bolster up their roster once more. Commerce or not, Denver will undoubtedly be within the contender dialog so long as Jokic is taking part in at this stage.

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Milwaukee Bucks – fifth in East (14-11 || 0-3 vs Cs): Milwaukee has had a stable turnaround from their horrid 2-8 begin to the season. Giannis is taking part in at an MVP stage, Dame continues to be an offensive murderer, they usually’ve ben getting stable role-player contributions out of men like Taurean Prince and A.J. Inexperienced which has been making an enormous distinction for them. Khris Middleton additionally not too long ago made his season-debut for the group, although he hasn’t precisely regarded like him finest self. Provided that the Celtics already swept the season collection it will not be the hardest matchup, but when they get clicking on the proper time, I wouldn’t put it previous the Bucks to upset the Celtics.

Phoenix Suns – sixth in West (14-11): The Suns acquired off to a sizzling begin to the season, however issues began to go awry after Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal began lacking time as a consequence of harm. When everyone seems to be energetic, the group actually does look scary. The protection isn’t precisely stellar, however as everybody anticipated, the offense between KD, Beal, and Devin Booker is deadly, particularly since including in an skilled and established ball-handler in Tyus Jones to lighten their masses and conduct the offense. Whereas the 2 groups haven’t matched up but, I’d think about the Celtics would have the sting contemplating they’ll sustain with and perhaps even outperform Phoenix offensively, and can nearly actually have a greater protection. If it comes right down to a 7-game collection, it might come right down to who’s hotter, although.

Memphis Grizzlies – 2nd in West (18-9 || 1-0 vs Cs): The Grizzlies have lastly began to see the sort of success they’ll have when their finest gamers are all wholesome. Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. will not be on the very high of the checklist with regards to massive 3s, however they’re actually very stable, and have an equally stable supporting forged to assist push the group alongside. Guys like Santi Aldama, Jay Huff, Scotty Pippen Jr., Marcus Good, and rookies Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells have all constantly been key contributors which have helped to carry Memphis a lot success this season. They are a younger and comparatively inexperienced group thus far, however their depth may also help push them over the sting.

Sneaky Groups to Watch:

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Minnesota Timberwolves – seventh in West (14-11 || 0-1 vs Cs): Minnesota hasn’t actually proven us an excessive amount of so far. Anthony Edwards has actually been on a tear offensively, however total the group hasn’t appeared like an excessive amount of of a risk as of but. Julius Randle is a good participant, however doesn’t really feel like the perfect match for the group. Rudy Gobert will possible by no means win one other DPOY trophy, however continues to be among the finest ache protectors within the league. They’ve gotten some good play out of men like Naz Reid, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Jaden McDaniels too, however not on a constant sufficient foundation to the place I’d put Minnesota in the identical league because the true contenders, although they aren’t far off.

Houston Rockets – third in West (17-9): The Rockets are a really attention-grabbing group. The best way they’re taking part in this 12 months, it doesn’t seem to be they’ve a clear-cut finest participant night time in and night time out. They’ve been profitable video games by committee, and a giant a part of that’s their protection. They at the moment rank 2nd within the league with a defensive ranking of 105.6. Guys like Jalen Inexperienced, Alperen Sengun, Fred VanVleet, and Jabari Smith Jr. seem to be they’ve been taking part in at a decrease stage than final 12 months, however the group has been pulling out wins left and proper. They’re not very skilled, so we’ll should see how that impacts them later down the road, however they’re profitable video games, so Houston is certainly a group to watch.

Orlando Magic – 4th in East (17-11): Orlando has regarded actually stable thus far this season, particularly contemplating they’ve been with out Paolo Banchero since late October. Head coach Jamahl Mosley has his guys taking part in their tails off, particularly on the defensive finish. They at the moment have the third finest defensive ranking within the league at 106.6, and it’s stored them in almost each sport contemplating they’ve the twenty fifth ranked offense at 110.2. Sadly, budding star, Franz Wagner not too long ago suffered the identical harm which has sidelined Paolo, a torn indirect. Now nearly 2 months post-surgery, Paolo nonetheless isn’t that near returning. An analogous timeline for Franz might have the group slipping with out its two finest gamers. We’ll should see how far they drop, if in any respect, however as soon as each guys are again, Orlando might be a formidable opponent.

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Atlanta Hawks – seventh in East (14-13 || 1-1 vs Cs): Atlanta has been one of many largest surprises of the season thus far. They’ve someway misplaced two video games to the 3-21 Wizards, however managed to beat the Celtics, Bucks, the Cavs twice, and the Knicks twice as effectively. They’re a little bit of an inconsistent group at this level, but it surely’s clear they’ve what it takes to win video games towards robust competitors. Because the season progresses, I’d think about they solely get stronger because the youthful gamers develop and get extra comfy of their roles. They might simply be a type of darkish horse groups to trigger an upset or two come playoff time, and the Celtics shouldn’t take them too evenly.

Golden State Warriors – eighth in West (14-11 || 1-0 vs Cs): The Warriors have cooled off a bit since their sizzling begin to the season, coming again to actuality for my part. Their roster isn’t particularly robust, however they do have half-way respectable depth, and not too long ago acquired Brooklyn’s Dennis Schroeder with out giving up any property which have any impact on this season for them. We have now but to see how he’ll slot in, but it surely appears as if he’ll be beginning subsequent to Steph Curry. The commerce solely strengthens their depth, and Schroeder has additionally been referred to as an incredible chief, which might assist to get extra out of their youthful gamers like Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, and Trayce Jackson Davis. It’s additionally rumored that the Warriors aren’t completed making trades, and are pursuing some extra star expertise to usher in. In the event that they handle to get it completed, relying on the price they may actually be a group to watch as a risk.

Los Angeles Clippers – ninth in West (15-12 || 0-1 vs Cs): The Clippers have additionally leveled off a bit as a consequence of some unlucky accidents to guys like Norman Powell, Derrick Jones Jr. and Terance Mann. Powell has since returned, however the different two will likely be out for a minimum of a pair weeks every. It is going to be laborious for James Harden to maintain this group taking part in at a excessive stage with out them, however reinforcements could also be on the best way. Kawhi Leanord has been progressing in his ramp-up to get again on the court docket, and the group is hoping that he can keep on the court docket when he does come again. He might probably make his debut throughout the subsequent week or two if all goes effectively. If the Clippers can get a constantly wholesome Kawhi, they may simply leap up into the contender class, however as of now that’s a giant if.

Wouldn’t Fear:

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Miami Warmth – sixth in East (13-11 || 0-1 vs Cs): Miami continues to be a type of groups that simply gained’t go away. Their roster isn’t very robust, however Tyler Herro has taken a giant step up, and will probably be an all-star this 12 months. It additionally took Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo a while, however they’ve began to look extra like their normal selves recently. There have been rumors that Butler might be moved by the deadline, and that he prefers to go to a contender. If that involves fruition, I’d suppose that might be a sign that Miami is seeking to push their aggressive aspirations out by a minimum of a 12 months or two, however we are able to’t actually decide that till it occurs, if it does in any respect. Because it stands Miami in all probability doesn’t have a robust sufficient roster to problem the Celtics, however I’ll by no means depend the Erik Spoelstra satan magic out utterly.

Los Angeles Lakers – tenth in West (14-12): It’s one other 12 months of the Lakers trying like an incomplete group, using on the coat tails of Anthony Davis and shortly to be 40-year-old LeBron. The one constant help they’ve appears to be from Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, each of which have missed time this season. The formulation hasn’t been sufficient to get it completed since 2020, and except they’ll make some strikes to enhance their depth and total roster energy, I wouldn’t count on it to be any totally different this season.

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Indiana Pacers – eighth in East (12-15 || 1-0 vs Cs): Indiana has been a little bit of a disappointment this season after their Jap Convention Finals run final 12 months. Tyrese Haliburton merely had an insane peak final season which set expectations unreasonably excessive, and he hasn’t come near replicating it but this 12 months. The Pacers have nonetheless managed to get some massive wins towards good groups, the Celtics included, so I gained’t depend them out utterly. That being stated, they at the moment look worse than the group that the Celtics swept within the ECF final 12 months, so I wouldn’t fear simply but both.

Sacramento Kings – twelfth in West (13-14): Sacramento appears like a group that ought to be a lot better than they’re. De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis are reputable stars, and it appears like Demar DeRozan ought to be too, however he hasn’t been carrying as a lot of the load because the group has hoped for after signing him this offseason. The Kings have dropped a whole lot of winnable video games, and haven’t confirmed that they’ll actually compete simply but. They’ve the potential, however they’re going to should stack collectively some wins earlier than I purchase in.

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Detroit Pistons – tenth in East (11-16 || 0-3 vs Cs): Cade Cunningham is bringing actual hoops again to Detroit. He’s been taking part in like an all-star, and has stored the Pistons related for the primary time in years. He has an okay supporting forged to assist them compete for a play-in spot, however this possible isn’t going to be the 12 months for them to make any actual noise. They’ve their moments, however they nonetheless have a protracted option to go earlier than I’d guess on them to beat any actual competitors constantly.

Philadelphia 76ers – twelfth in East (8-16): Philly is a type of groups that has been rampant with harm this 12 months, although many followers anticipated it out of their stars, Joel Embiid and Paul George. Jared McCain, their 1st spherical decide from this 12 months’s draft has been a lone brilliant spot thus fur, though he sadly tore his MCL of their final sport. This season for Philly feels similar to what occurred in Phoenix final 12 months, they usually’re going to want a giant turnaround earlier than I contemplate them a risk, although they actually have the potential on paper.

San Antonio Spurs – eleventh in West (13-13): The Spurs appear to slowly be figuring issues out because the season goes on, regardless of some spotty availability from their star, Victor Wembanyama, who has often missed time with again points. Chris Paul and Stephon Citadel appear to be making a world of a distinction for this roster, and whereas I don’t count on them to be a risk this 12 months, they may very effectively be priming themselves for an actual shot subsequent 12 months.

Pritchard Takeover Nights:

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Toronto Raptors – 14th in East (7-20 || 0-1 vs Cs): Toronto has been a surprisingly enjoyable group to observe this 12 months, and it appears like their file isn’t an incredible indication of how they play. They’re one of many few groups that’s slowly on their manner again up from the tank (though they might be making an exception for this 12 months’s draft class), however with Scottie Barnes lacking time for a spread of freak accidents it’s laborious to see what they’re actually able to. They appear like a group that can provide you a tough night time, which they already did to the Celtics, however are in the end very beatable, and shouldn’t be favored in lots of matchups.

Chicago Bulls – ninth in East (12-15 || 0-1 vs Cs): Chicago continues to stay as one of the crucial “mid” groups within the league, though from the sounds of it, they might lastly be able to embrace the tank. Zach Lavine has been closely concerned in commerce rumors, and as soon as he’s gone it’s possible that Nikola Vucevic might be on the transfer too. I’d think about nearly each participant in Chicago is up for grabs exterior of Coby White and rookie Matas Buzelis. Whether or not the front-office lastly has the center to tug the set off is a unique query, although. They’ve a shot on the play-in in the event that they keep pat, however even then, I’d say it’s a low probability.

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New Orleans Pelicans – fifteenth in West (5-22): The Pelicans have been completely devastated by accidents this 12 months. Dyson Daniels, who was traded away from New Orleans within the offseason and has since emerged as a Most Improved candidate, made feedback saying “That group’s cursed. Yearly there’s one thing new. I’m completely satisfied I’m not there anymore.” The harm luck has been so unhealthy, that it looks like they’ve made all however 3 gamers out there for commerce, with none of Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, or Dejounte Murray in that untouchable checklist. In the event that they handle to get totally wholesome, they might have a shot at clawing their manner again to relevancy, however I’d be extra more likely to imagine that they’d blow it up than proceed on this path of wishful considering.

Brooklyn Nets – eleventh in East (10-16 || 0-2 vs Cs): Brooklyn has shortly grow to be sellers, not too long ago delivery in all probability their finest participant, Dennis Schroeder, out to Golden State in trade for a bundle of 2nd spherical picks together with DeAnthony Melton who’s out for the season with a torn ACL. Rumor has it that they’ll be delivery out Cameron Johnson, and probably Dorian Finney Smith or Bojan Bogdanovic quickly as effectively. Cam Thomas has been out for a substantial period of time, and he too might be on the commerce block. All indicators level to Brooklyn making ready to totally purchase in to the “Seize the Flagg” race this season, so don’t count on to see them win too many extra video games this 12 months.

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Charlotte Hornets – thirteenth in East (7-19 || 0-2 vs Cs): The Hornets proceed to be the Hornets of years previous – no actual on-court management or consistency. LaMelo has been taking part in like an all-star when out there, and Brandon Miller appears to have taken a step up as effectively, but it surely’s not sufficient to see them as a risk to anybody anytime quickly.

Portland Path Blazers – thirteenth in West (8-18): Portland has had some attention-grabbing upsets since our final take a look at the league, beating the Timberwolves in back-to-back video games, in addition to the Hawks, Rockets, and Kings. It appears as if they’ve the flexibility to show it up from time to time and catch groups without warning, however they’re wildly inconsistent, and certain gained’t be a lot of a risk.

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Utah Jazz – 14th in West (5-20): Utah hasn’t proven something for the reason that final version to make me imagine they’ll be something apart from the underside group within the West. They may possible be sellers on the commerce deadline as effectively, purchasing guys like Colin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, and John Collins. Relying on which younger guys they get in return they might be a enjoyable group to observe, however they actually aren’t competitors to many of the league.

Washington Wizards – fifteenth in East (3-21 || 0-3 vs Cs): Out of the 16 video games the Wizards performed for the reason that final version, they’ve solely gained a single sport. They’re actually the worst group within the league, and are at the moment on observe to be the worst group in NBA historical past. To cite Kyle Kuzma, “At this level, it’s like, don’t be that group.”