NBA’s Eastern Conference Update at Halfway Point (Boston Celtics Tough Upcoming 8-Game Stretch, Misleading Standings, Pacers Trade for Siakam)

photo via Visual Hunt

We’ve arrived at the halfway point — 41 games. The Boston Celtics are 31–9 and healthy. Thank goodness. This team is dominant. Tatum has found a groove from deep. Derrick White has returned to Earth after an All-Star-level performance for two months. Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis continue to do whatever is needed to destroy opponent morale. This team is ridiculous.

60 wins is well within reach…though the regular season wins will be forgotten in May. Hopefully Mazzulla and Stevens can convince Tatum, Brown, Derrick and Jrue that rest is best (at least in late March and early April).

East Standings (thru 1/16)

1. Boston Celtics 31–9

2. Milwaukee Bucks 28–12 (23–8 since 5–4 start)

3. Philadelphia 76ers 26–13 (23–6 with Embiid)

4. Cleveland Cavs 23–15 (long-term injuries to Garland and Mobley)

5. Miami Heat 24–16 (19–11 with Adebayo)

6. Indiana Pacers 23–17 (lull after IST, miss Haliburton, traded for Siakam)

7. New York Knicks 23–17 (6–2 since Anunoby trade)