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Does the East have a true favorite? Execs, coaches, scouts weigh in
Stephen A. Smith says Jayson Tatum should protect his long-term future by not rushing his return for the Boston Celtics. (1:26)
Much attention has been paid to the top of the NBA's Western Conference this season, and deservedly so.
The defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder started 24-1, have the league's reigning Most Valuable Player in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (he's a favorite for his second award) and are hoping to become the NBA's first repeat champion since the Golden State Warriors in 2018.
The San Antonio Spurs, one of the surprise teams, are on Oklahoma City's heels in the standings. Led by third-year phenom Victor Wembanyama and second-year breakout star Stephon Castle, they have defeated the Thunder four times in five meetings this season. The Denver Nuggets, led by three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic and first-time All-Star Jamal Murray, have a championship résumé that gives them a legitimate chance at another deep playoff run.
Community Shootaround: Who Will Come Out Of The East?
The Pistons have held the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference since early November and have maintained a firm grip on that spot. At 42-14, Detroit has a 4.5-game lead on its next-closest competitor in the conference and has a 10-2 record against the other Eastern teams currently in playoff (ie. top-six) position.
However, there are still questions about the Pistons’ ability to win three consecutive playoff series and represent the Eastern Conference in the 2026 NBA Finals. A relative lack of postseason experience is one potential concern. Detroit’s first-round exit last spring represented the team’s first playoff appearance since 2019 and the only taste of the postseason that young stars like Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren have gotten so far.
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'Inside the NBA' crew debates which East teams are title contenders
Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal break down which teams in the Eastern Conference are title contenders.
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