ESPN panel picks Boston Celtics to finish first in NBA’s East for 2023-24

The Celtics are counting on Porzingis to play a major role alongside Tatum and Brown,” wrote ESPN.

The Boston Celtics are considered the top contenders in the NBA’s Eastern Conference for the upcoming 2023-24 season, based on predictions from an expert ESPN panel. “The Celtics and the Bucks sit atop this season’s Summer Forecast rankings once again, as both teams are coming off a strong 2022-23 campaign and return a healthy core,” wrote ESPN.

“The Celtics exited the playoffs last season after an epic battle with (the Miami Heat in the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals), and this season, they will continue to play a starting five that includes Jaylen Brown, Al Horford, and Jayson Tatum,” they add.

“But they also acquired Kristaps Porzingis during the offseason — and lost Marcus Smart in the process — and the Celtics are counting on Porzingis to play a major role alongside Tatum and Brown.”

The panel put Boston first in the East standings at season’s end with a total of 55 wins and 27 losses, followed by the Milwaukee Bucks (54-28) and the Cleveland Cavaliers (50-32).

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

[lawrence-auto-related count=1 category=590969556]