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#3 New York Knicks
The New York Knicks' resurgence might continue in the 2021-22 NBA season as they look to solidify their position as one of the big teams in the East. Tom Thibodeau's team ended an eight-year playoff drought last season, which was no mean feat.
A fourth-place finish in the 2020-21 NBA season saw the Knicks feature in the playoffs for the first time since 2012. Although their performance wasn't as impressive in the playoffs, they could build on that this season. The Knicks were knocked out in the first round by a young Atlanta Hawks team.
Things might be different for the Knicks this campaign, considering how they've gone about building their roster. They have brought in more scoring options, which was an issue for them last season. While the Knicks reaching the NBA Finals might be a reach, another first-round exit is unlikely.
#2 Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers have had a torrid time in the NBA playoffs last season, and will look for a different outcome this year. They have the wherewithal to be the best in the East, but are yet to unravel the winning formula.
A 49-23 run in the 2020-21 NBA season saw them clinch the top seed in the East. While they had a fairly easy first-round series against the Washington Wizards, things got tough for them in the semi-finals.
Joel Embiid, who had to play through an injury, did an excellent job leading his team. Unfortunately, his efforts were not enough, as a couple of collapses saw the Sixers concede huge leads late in games. Trae Young and the Hawks took advantage of Ben Simmons' low confidence and poor shooting to eliminate the 76ers in seven games.
Considering the caliber of players in their roster and the potential return of Simmons, the Sixers could go all the way to the NBA Finals. Winning the championship might be a tall task, but Embiid is a difference-maker who could sway things in his team's favor.
#1 Utah Jazz
For the last five seasons, the Utah Jazz have been regulars in the NBA playoffs, but have not gone past the Western Conference finals. Last season, they endured an unexpected collapse against the LA Clippers after going 2-0 up. They lost four games on the trot to endure their third Round 2 exit in five years.
However, the Jazz have one of the most balanced teams in the NBA. Rudy Gobert is an elite rim protector, while Donovan Mitchell does an exceptional job orchestrating the offense. They could do a Bucks in the 2022 playoffs.
Considering the anticipated resurgence of the Golden State Warriors and the LA Lakers returning to their domineering best, the Utah Jazz will have their task cut out to reach the 2022 NBA Finals. But if any team can pull off such an upset in a stacked West, it is the Jazz team.
