How does the rest 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 finally beat the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, the #1 seed within the West, to turn into the second ever NBA Cup Champions. So, what did we study concerning the state of the league by means of this brief journey?

The Celtics are at present sitting at 2nd within the East with a report of 21-5. Kristaps Porzingis ended up making his season debut a lot sooner than anticipated. Jayson Tatum has saved himself steadily within the MVP dialog. Payton Pritchard has emerged as a official Sixth Man of the 12 months candidate, too. It’s secure to say that Boston seems to be like they’re in good condition to this point.

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

Right here’s how issues stand now:

*Data and standings as of December 18, 2024*

Prime Threats:

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 recreation because the final time we took a have 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 a particularly effectively coached crew that performs very freely, and so they’re a crew that may actually drop an avalanche on you once 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 following greatest crew behind the Celtics, and are certainly the most important risk to Boston’s championship aspirations this yr.

New York Knicks – fifth in East (16-10 || 0-1 vs Cs): The Knicks bought off to a little bit of a sluggish 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 result of Karl Anthony Cities discovering his function on the crew and beginning to look nearly dominant at instances. He’s averaging just below 25 factors alongside along with his near-14 rebounds per recreation. His efficiency has actually been a recreation changer for this crew, and Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Miles McBride all discovering their complimentary offensive roles has the Knicks wanting 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 prepared to wager that the entire remaining video games find yourself being a lot, a lot nearer going ahead.

Different Potential Challengers:

Cleveland Cavaliers – 1st in East (23-4 || 1-1 vs Cs): The Cavs stay close to the highest of the record in terms of threats towards the Celtics. They’ve continued their stellar play to this point, though they now not maintain the right report which they’d the final time we checked out them. All indications level to them being an impressive crew, however I personally really feel a bit much less afraid of them than I did beforehand. The Cavs and Celtics have break up the season collection to this point, each video games being determined by lower than 5 factors every. Within the matchup, Cleveland has seemed very beatable, although. I don’t assume a collection towards them can be straightforward by any means, however I do really feel as if the Celtics have the sting matchup clever. Respect needs to be given the place due, although, and as such, Cleveland will keep near the highest of the record of threats.

Dallas Mavericks – 4th in West (17-9): Dallas has been enjoying 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 executed an ideal 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 courtroom. Dallas appears improved from final yr, and it’s not unrealistic to count on them to play with an additional chip on the shoulder after coming brief within the Finals final yr.

Denver Nuggets – fifth in West (14-10): The Nuggets have had an uglier season than they had been doubtless anticipating. Aaron Gordon missed important time with an damage, and Nikola Jokic additionally missed a number of video games as a result of private causes. What’s doubtless been an even bigger issue, although, has been the underwhelming efficiency from Jamal Murray up to now. It’s going to be exhausting for Denver to compete with their second-best participant enjoying sub-par, however Jokic has actually taken his recreation to a different degree, which is insane to say contemplating he already has 3 MVP trophies. The crew lacks in depth and firepower at this level, however they will 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 enjoying at this degree.

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 enjoying at an MVP degree, Dame remains to be an offensive murderer, and so they’ve ben getting stable role-player contributions out of fellows like Taurean Prince and A.J. Inexperienced which has been making an enormous distinction for them. Khris Middleton additionally just lately made his season-debut for the crew, although he hasn’t precisely seemed like him greatest 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 bought 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 result of damage. When everyone seems to be energetic, the crew 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 hundreds 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 will sustain with and possibly even outperform Phoenix offensively, and can nearly actually have a greater protection. If it comes all the way down to a 7-game collection, it might come all the way 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 will have when their greatest gamers are all wholesome. Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. will not be on the very prime of the record in terms of massive 3s, however they’re actually very stable, and have an equally stable supporting solid to assist push the crew alongside. Guys like Santi Aldama, Jay Huff, Scotty Pippen Jr., Marcus Good, and rookies Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells have all persistently been key contributors which have helped to carry Memphis a lot success this season. They are a younger and comparatively inexperienced crew to this point, however their depth may help push them over the sting.

Sneaky Groups to Watch:

Minnesota Timberwolves – seventh in West (14-11 || 0-1 vs Cs): Minnesota hasn’t actually proven us an excessive amount of thus far. Anthony Edwards has actually been on a tear offensively, however total the crew 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 crew. Rudy Gobert will doubtless by no means win one other DPOY trophy, however remains to be among the finest ache protectors within the league. They’ve gotten some good play out of fellows 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 crew. The way in which they’re enjoying this yr, it doesn’t appear to be they’ve a clear-cut greatest participant night time in and night time out. They’ve been successful video games by committee, and a giant a part of that’s their protection. They at present rank 2nd within the league with a defensive ranking of 105.6. Guys like Jalen Inexperienced, Alperen Sengun, Fred VanVleet, and Jabari Smith Jr. appear to be they’ve been enjoying at a decrease degree than final yr, however the crew has been pulling out wins left and proper. They’re not very skilled, so we’ll must see how that impacts them later down the road, however they’re successful video games, so Houston is unquestionably a crew to observe.

Orlando Magic – 4th in East (17-11): Orlando has seemed actually stable to this point this season, particularly contemplating they’ve been with out Paolo Banchero since late October. Head coach Jamahl Mosley has his guys enjoying their tails off, particularly on the defensive finish. They at present have the third greatest defensive ranking within the league at 106.6, and it’s saved them in almost each recreation contemplating they’ve the twenty fifth ranked offense at 110.2. Sadly, budding star, Franz Wagner just lately suffered the identical damage which has sidelined Paolo, a torn indirect. Now nearly 2 months post-surgery, Paolo nonetheless isn’t that near returning. The same timeline for Franz might have the crew slipping with out its two greatest gamers. We’ll must see how far they drop, if in any respect, however as soon as each guys are again, Orlando could possibly be a formidable opponent.

Atlanta Hawks – seventh in East (14-13 || 1-1 vs Cs): Atlanta has been one of many greatest surprises of the season to this point. They’ve by some means 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 crew at this level, however it’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 snug 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 flippantly.

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 in my view. Their roster isn’t particularly robust, however they do have half-way first rate depth, and just lately acquired Brooklyn’s Dennis Schroeder with out giving up any property which have any impact on this season for them. We now have but to see how he’ll slot in, however it 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 ideal 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 executed making trades, and are pursuing some extra star expertise to herald. In the event that they handle to get it executed, relying on the fee they may actually be a crew to observe 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 result of some unlucky accidents to guys like Norman Powell, Derrick Jones Jr. and Terance Mann. Powell has since returned, however the different two can be out for at the least a pair weeks every. Will probably be exhausting for James Harden to maintain this crew enjoying at a excessive degree 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 courtroom, and the crew is hoping that he can keep on the courtroom when he does come again. He might probably make his debut inside the subsequent week or two if all goes effectively. If the Clippers can get a persistently wholesome Kawhi, they may simply bounce up into the contender class, however as of now that’s a giant if.

Wouldn’t Fear:

Miami Warmth – sixth in East (13-11 || 0-1 vs Cs): Miami continues to be a type of groups that simply received’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 yr. It additionally took Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo a while, however they’ve began to look extra like their standard selves recently. There have been rumors that Butler could possibly be moved by the deadline, and that he prefers to go to a contender. If that involves fruition, I’d assume that will be a sign that Miami is trying to push their aggressive aspirations out by at the least a yr 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 powerful sufficient roster to problem the Celtics, however I’ll by no means depend the Erik Spoelstra satan magic out fully.

Los Angeles Lakers – tenth in West (14-12): It’s one other yr of the Lakers wanting like an incomplete crew, 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 components hasn’t been sufficient to get it executed since 2020, and except they will make some strikes to enhance their depth and total roster power, I wouldn’t count on it to be any totally different this season.

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 yr. Tyrese Haliburton merely had an insane peak final season which set expectations unreasonably excessive, and he hasn’t come near replicating it but this yr. The Pacers have nonetheless managed to get some massive wins towards good groups, the Celtics included, so I received’t depend them out fully. That being stated, they at present look worse than the crew that the Celtics swept within the ECF final yr, so I wouldn’t fear simply but both.

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

Detroit Pistons – tenth in East (11-16 || 0-3 vs Cs): Cade Cunningham is bringing actual hoops again to Detroit. He’s been enjoying like an all-star, and has saved the Pistons related for the primary time in years. He has an okay supporting solid to assist them compete for a play-in spot, however this doubtless isn’t going to be the yr 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 persistently.

Philadelphia 76ers – twelfth in East (8-16): Philly is a type of groups that has been rampant with damage this yr, although many followers anticipated it out of their stars, Joel Embiid and Paul George. Jared McCain, their 1st spherical decide from this yr’s draft has been a lone brilliant spot thus fur, though he sadly tore his MCL of their final recreation. This season for Philly feels similar to what occurred in Phoenix final yr, and so they’re going to wish a giant turnaround earlier than I think about 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 yr, they may very effectively be priming themselves for an actual shot subsequent yr.

Pritchard Takeover Nights:

Toronto Raptors – 14th in East (7-20 || 0-1 vs Cs): Toronto has been a surprisingly enjoyable crew to look at this yr, and it seems like their report isn’t an ideal indication of how they play. They’re one of many few groups that’s slowly on their approach again up from the tank (though they might be making an exception for this yr’s draft class), however with Scottie Barnes lacking time for a spread of freak accidents it’s exhausting to see what they’re actually able to. They appear like a crew that may give you a tough night time, which they already did to the Celtics, however are finally 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 doubtless that Nikola Vucevic could possibly 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 heart 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.

New Orleans Pelicans – fifteenth in West (5-22): The Pelicans have been completely devastated by accidents this yr. 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 pleased I’m not there anymore.” The damage luck has been so unhealthy, that it looks as if they’ve made all however 3 gamers accessible for commerce, with none of Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, or Dejounte Murray in that untouchable record. In the event that they handle to get absolutely wholesome, they might have a shot at clawing their approach 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 pondering.

Brooklyn Nets – eleventh in East (10-16 || 0-2 vs Cs): Brooklyn has shortly turn into sellers, just lately transport in all probability their greatest participant, Dennis Schroeder, out to Golden State in alternate 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 transport out Cameron Johnson, and presumably Dorian Finney Smith or Bojan Bogdanovic quickly as effectively. Cam Thomas has been out for a substantial period of time, and he too could possibly be on the commerce block. All indicators level to Brooklyn making ready to completely 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 yr.

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 enjoying like an all-star when accessible, and Brandon Miller appears to have taken a step up as effectively, however it’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 have 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 power to show it up every so often and catch groups abruptly, however they’re wildly inconsistent, and sure received’t be a lot of a risk.

Utah Jazz – 14th in West (5-20): Utah hasn’t proven something because the final version to make me imagine they’ll be something aside from the underside crew within the West. They are going to doubtless be sellers on the commerce deadline as effectively, buying guys like Colin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, and John Collins. Relying on which younger guys they get in return they could possibly be a enjoyable crew to look at, however they actually aren’t competitors to a lot of the league.

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