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The Eastern Conference in the NBA is no slouch for title contenders. With the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers being the favorites to clash for a spot in the NBA Finals, the East has its fair share of teams capable of ending this season as the champion.
The departure of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving from the Brooklyn Nets leaves the door open for underdog teams as well.
Three NBA sleeper teams With A Shot at Making It To The Eastern Conference Finals
3. Miami Heat
After a crushing Game 7 loss to the Boston Celtics during last year's Eastern Conference finals, the Miami Heat have looked like a completely different version of themselves compared to last season.
But if there's one thing that's to be expected from this team, it's that you can never truly count the Heat out once the playoffs begin.
After going 53-29 to post the East's best record last season, Miami (33-30) is seventh. The Heat have the league's sixth-ranked defense at a 111.4 defensive rating and the 26th-ranked offense at a 110.5 offensive rating.
They still have Jimmy Butler, who is averaging 21.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 2.0 steals per game, while shooting 52.0%. He averaged 27.4 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 4.6 apg and 2.1 spg while shooting 50.6% in the playoffs last year. Don't be surprised if he plays even more with a chip on his shoulder once the postseason begins with his team being slept on.
To add to this, Bam Adebayo is yet again having another solid season, averaging 21.2 ppg and 9.8 rpg while shooting 53.8%. An All-Star for the second time in his career, Adebayo has further proven himself to be among the NBA's best centers, especially on the defensive end with a defensive rating of 109.2 this season.
He is also backed by a strong supporting cast with Tyler Herro, Kyle Lowry, Victor Oladipo, Kevin Love, Max Strus, Caleb Martin and Gabe Vincent.
They lost P.J. Tucker in free agency in the offseason and miss having him in their rotation. He provided great spacing with his corner 3-point shooting (41.5%), along with his solid defense.
But make no mistake, the Miami Heat are no strangers to making things difficult for opposing matchups in the playoffs.
2. New York Knicks
The New York Knicks (37-27), who are fifth in the East, are one of the hottest teams in the NBA. They've won seven in a row, with an impressive win 109-94 win over the formidable Boston Celtics on Monday, and are 27-14 since a 10-13 start.
The Knicks have the league's fifth-ranked offense (116.2 rating) and 13th-ranked defense (113.2).
They are led by two-time All-Star Julius Randle (25.0 ppg, 10.5 rpg, 46.3% shooting). After a subpar season last year, Randle has made a strong comeback with an improved level of play.
After the Knicks' struggles last season (finishing 37-45), they made the necessary move to bolster their team by acquiring Jalen Brunson during the offseason.
Similar to Randle, Brunson is having an incredible season, averaging 23.8 ppg and 6.2 apg, while shooting 48.5%, including 41.0% from 3-point range. Out of those stats alone, Brunson is showcasing his best season in his career.
The New York Knicks also have some quality players in their rotation with RJ Barrett, Josh Hart, Mitchell Robinson, Quentin Grimes, Immanuel Quickley, Obi Toppin, Jericho Sims and Isaiah Hartenstein.
With only a handful of games left in the season, the Knicks are set to make things interesting during their postseason run.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers (39-26), who are fourth in the East, have remained one of the NBA's most consistent teams. They have the third-ranked defense (109.9 rating) and ninth-ranked offense (115.3 rating).
The team is led by its dynamic backcourt scoring duo.
Four-time All-Star Donovan Mitchell is averaging a team-high 27.5 ppg and 4.8 apg, while shooting 48.1%, including 38.7% from 3-point range. Mitchell is one of the most explosive players at his position through his penetration prowess and tough shot-making ability.
Joining him in forming a lethal scoring tandem is Darius Garland, who is averaging 22 ppg and 7.9 apg, while shooting 47.0%, including 42.4% from 3-point range.
Both have been a seamless fit together as each provides a strong scoring punch for the team with elite shot-making.
Similar to the double-big lineup of the Boston Celtics, the Cleveland Cavaliers have Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. The spacing is not compromised as Mobley is capable of hitting perimeter shots, while the interior defense is one of the most intimidating ones to penetrate in the NBA.
There is quality depth in Caris LeVert, Ricky Rubio, Cedi Osman, Isaac Okoro and Dean Wade.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have quality performances under their belt, with wins against the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers and Memphis Grizzlies. The Cavaliers could easily make noise in the playoffs as a team to not be taken lightly in the Eastern Conference.
Guess the Lakers players!
