![]() Of course, many of those Western underachievers dealt with major injury issues - with better health from Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Anthony Davis, LeBron James, Damian Lillard, and Zion Williamson, those teams are poised to improve in 2022/23. The emergence of Eastern teams like the Bulls, Cavaliers, and Hornets played a part in the conference’s relative success in 2021/22, while disappointing regular seasons by the Clippers, Lakers, Trail Blazers, and Pelicans were factors in the West’s slide. By contrast, only eight teams in the Western Conference won more than 36 games. Even though no team in the East won more than 53 games, the conference was deeper than the West, with 10 teams registering at least 43 victories. ![]() However, the East regained the upper hand last season, ever so slightly, finishing with a 226-224 record against Western opponents. That happened during the 2008/09 campaign, when the East put up a 231-219 record vs. He has the 6-11 frame, athleticism, had developed as a scorer away from the rim to beat traditional bigs off the bounce and can defend smaller players on defensive switches.Entering 2021/22, Eastern Conference teams had posted a winning record against Western Conference teams just once in 22 seasons since the turn of the century. The availability of Jonathan Isaac (left knee ligament), who missed all of last season, would help immensely. In general, this team needs better/more reliable shooters to spread the floor. Carter has to extend his shooting range to take better advantage of his quickness and athleticism against other slower bigs who’ll have to step out to guard him. They just signed Wendell Carter to a 4-year extension on his rookie deal, hoping he adds more wrinkles to his game. The Magic sought veterans to help young players develop and learn during the offseason because they’re looking to feature rookies Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner and allow them to play through their mistakes. They’re starting over with first-time coach Jamahl Mosley. San Antonio Spurs guard Dejounte Murray shoots the ball over the outstretched arm of Orlando Magic defender Jalen Suggs as Magic center Mo Bamba, second from right, and Spurs center Jakob Poeltl look on during the first half of their preseason game. The Domantas Sabonis-Myles Turner combo being able to thrive under Carlisle will set the table for everything that follows. They’ve not advanced out of the first round since 2014. It’s about whether or not they can do anything when they get there. The playoffs for the Pacers are a foregone conclusion. Rick Carlisle was brought back to restore discipline in a team that had none last season and but did have plenty of injuries. And if a defender gets too close, he can blow by and finish in traffic. He has the 3-point range but can score via spot up, stepback or one- or two-dribble pull up. All of this has increased the importance of rookie Chris Duarte, who the Pacers believed to be NBA-ready the moment they drafted him, making an impact. They had to trade Edmond Sumner after a season-ending injury in the final year of his contract and were expected to unload Jeremy Lamb before the trade deadline. Warren and Caris LeVert temper expectations. On paper, they could be a 5 seed but injury issues with T.J. Warren (1), shooting over Boston Celtics' Robert Williams III (44), only played 4 games last season because of a foot injury and he won't be ready to start 2021-22 because of it. Former Magic forward Tobias Harris can be a matchup problem and played at an All-Star level last season, but Simmons (or whoever replaces him if he’s dealt) has to be the third piece for the Sixers to be postseason viable. That should allow him to reduce his minutes to preserve his fragile legs. The Sixers have the depth behind Joel Embiid with backup Andre Drummond. The three highest percentage shots, analytically speaking, are free throws, corner 3s and layups. In the postseason, where defenses prepare for one opponent for up to 7 games and can make one-dimensional players a liability, Simmons is unplayable. Making practice shots and posting them on social media doesn’t prove anything. If Ben Simmons stays and doesn’t get traded despite the offseason discord, can he suddenly be on the court in the final 5 minutes of a close game? No. It’s about their ability to win in the postseason. Where they finish in the regular season, much like Brooklyn, is irrelevant.
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