2018-19 NBA Eastern Conference: Atlantic Division Standings so far

The LeBron-less East is full of opportunities.
The LeBron-less East is full of opportunities.

#3 Boston Celtics

The Celtics' locker-room is clearly not one of the most cheerful places right now.
The Celtics' locker-room is clearly not one of the most cheerful places right now.

Despite the inclusion of Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward, Boston are not at the same level as they were last year, without them. The team is going through internal tensions between players, resulting in poor chemistry on-court as they hang onto the 5th spot in the East.

They are 37-22(0.627) on the season, having won seven of their previous ten matchups. On the positive side of things, they host the fifth best defensive rating(106.4) in the league, and are top 5 in FT%, steals, blocks and assists. When playing against Atlantic teams, Kyrie Irving and co. have won 10 of 13 so far.


#2 Philadelphia 76ers

The Sixers' trade deadline steals were worth applauding.
The Sixers' trade deadline steals were worth applauding.

Philly's starting lineup of Simmons, Harris, Embiid, Butler, and Redick is one of the most lethal sets of high-IQ basketball players put together. And going against resilient teams like Celtics, Bucks, and Raptors in the playoffs, they will need every last ounce of talent in that roster.

Heading into the last stretch of the regular season, the Sixers are comfortably placed in the fourth spot with a decent 38-21(0.644) record next to their name. With all five of their starters averaging at least 17 points per game, it's not surprising to think that they are legit contenders to come out of the East this season.

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