Not like within the Western Convention, the place 12 groups are vying for a playoff spot, the Jap Convention presents a unique panorama. Two distinct teams of groups have emerged: these aiming for the lottery and people battling for playoff seeding.
Which Jap Convention postseason contenders are primed to take advantage of important leaps this season?
No. 3: Orlando Magic
Final season, Orlando’s protection was a drive, permitting the second-fewest factors per possession within the league. Jalen Suggs was an absolute menace, rating within the 92nd percentile with a 2.6 steal proportion. He supplied the kind of point-of-attack protection that results in deep playoff runs.
Paulo Banchero and Franz Wagner additionally took satisfaction on the much less glamorous finish, showcasing a dedication to locking down their assignments that is uncommon in younger gamers who can rating. Jonathan Isaac, usually ignored, led the league in Defensive plus/minus (+4.1), offering elite rim safety with a 7.3 block proportion (98th percentile) and perimeter versatility (2.3 steal proportion).
Offensively, the Magic struggled within the half court docket, rating among the many league’s worst in turnovers at 14.9%. Possessions usually stagnated into compelled drives from Banchero and Wagner into the paint. Including Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a 40.6% three-point shooter on 4.1 makes an attempt per recreation final season, ought to create wanted area for Banchero and Wagner to function.
Prediction: The Magic enhance by seven video games to 54-28
No. 2: Philadelphia 76ers
Final season, accidents ravaged the 76ers, who completed second solely to the Grizzlies in missed minutes from key gamers. Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris had been sidelined for 12 video games every and Kelly Oubre Jr. missed 14 contests, however probably the most important absence was that of famous person Joel Embiid, who performed simply 39 video games.
Whereas on the court docket, Embiid led the league in Dunks and Threes, Estimated Plus-Minus, a measure of his complete impression on the sport. Regardless of accidents all through his profession, Embiid has averaged 67 video games performed in 2021-22 and 2022-23. If he can keep that stage of availability this season, it ought to considerably enhance the 76ers’ win complete.
Bringing in nine-time All-Star Paul George ought to additional strengthen the 76ers. George ranked fifth within the NBA in three-pointers made (243) final season, hitting at a 41.3% clip. He supplied a uncommon mixture of quantity and effectivity from past the arc. PG-13’s capturing will create respiration room for Embiid to function within the submit and open up driving lanes for All-Star Tyrese Maxey.
Prediction: The 76ers enhance by eight video games to 55-27
No. 1: New York Knicks
It is no exaggeration to say the Knicks might boast the NBA’s prime two wing defenders this season.
OG Anunoby ranked second within the league final season, with opponents capturing a staggering 8.8% decrease eFG% when he was on the court docket. Becoming a member of him this season, summer time acquisition Mikal Bridges, a 2022 Defensive Participant of the 12 months runner-up who has made a reputation for himself as one of many premier perimeter defenders within the NBA.
The Knicks will miss middle Isaiah Hartenstein (now with OKC) this season, however Mitchell Robinson stays an elite rim protector. His 4.4 block proportion (ninetieth percentile) and mixture of size and agility make him a drive within the paint, each defensively and on the boards.
On offense, the Knicks needs to be wonderful.
Jalen Brunson, who completed second in postseason scoring, averaging 32.4 PPG, enters the 2024-25 season as a respectable MVP candidate. With unbelievable hesitation strikes and a lethal mid-range recreation, Brunson can rating at will.
Surrounded by 4 high quality long-distance marksmen — Donte DeVincenzo, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges — Brunson could have ample room to function. The return of Julius Randle from harm additional bolsters the Knicks’ offensive firepower and opens up intriguing small-ball lineup prospects.
Prediction: The Knicks enhance by 9 video games to 59-23
