I am going to do my NBA playoff predictions for the Eastern conference based on my judgment of who will take a step forward into the playoffs this year. I have included a record prediction too.

Here it is:

1. Boston Celtics (59-23)

This was the easiest pick for me. The Celtics have the most talented roster in this conference and were on the brink of the Finals without their two best players, Hayward and Irving. With the development of players such as Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, and second unit leaders Marcus Smart and Terry Rozier, the Celtics have depth throughout this roster. Add in Brad Stevens’ coaching expertise and this is a formula for success. Though the Celtics will have a tougher time with the 76ers and Raptors looming, I predict they will be the 1 seed alongside other analysts, experts, and Vegas.

2. Toronto Raptors (55-27)

This is based on Kawhi playing most of the season. To be honest, Kawhi is an upgrade from Derozan, and comes to a team that won 59 games and the 1 seed in the East last year. Though the coach changed, this team remains in the upper tier in this conference and their playoff kryptonite Lebron James has left. Let’s see what the Raptors are made of. With depth such as VanVleet, Anunoby, Valunciuanas to join Lowry and Kawhi, the Raptors have the potential to reach new heights.

3. Philadelphia 76ers (53-29)

The process has finally come into full swing as the young 76ers are up and coming for the conference crown. Though they have challengers in Boston and Toronto, they are as much contenders because of the development of all the first-round picks they have accumulated. Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons lead this team to the next step in hopes of reaching the ECF. Fultz returns for the season along with new addition Wilson Chandler to help Dario Saric and Robert Covington round out the top players on this team.

4. Indiana Pacers (50-32)

This gritty team proved they are no joke last year in the playoffs. Victor Oladipo, in star power, is set to lead this team. He is the undisputed leader of this team and with the return of Collison, Sabonis, Turner, among others, this team is young and ready to win. The Pacers added Tyreke Evans, another valuable piece as well. The Pacers represent the middle tier of the conference, but I believe they will compete with anyone.

5. Washington Wizards (48-34)

The Wizards have baffled me lately. One year, they are playing excellent, and the next they are bounced out in the first round after playing subpar basketball for the season. I have no doubts they will be in the playoffs this year though. They have too much talent such as John Wall, Bradley Beal, and a re-energized Dwight Howard. They have the depth too with Morris, Porter, and Oubre. They will once again represent the middle tier of the East.

6. Milwaukee Bucks (47-35)

Giannis is only getting better and so are the Bucks. The Bucks strike me as a team with potential to make a huge bounce. Though I don’t see them as a top tier team in the East yet, they will be a playoff team for the next few years. They drafted a solid player in Divencenzo from Nova and added Brook Lopez. This unit also returns with Brogdon, Henson, and Middleton. The Bucks could be a future team of the East.

7. Detroit Pistons (43-39)

I expect Blake Griffin and Drummond to have better chemistry this year and see them making the playoffs. The Heat remain unsure of Wade’s status and the Cavs will have a huge drop without Lebron, so I picked the Pistons to sneak in. Their PF/C duo is a force and the return of guards such as Ish Smith, Reggie Jackson, and Reggie Bullock should help. The additions of Zaza Pachulia and Jose Calderon as veterans round out a team that is rising.

8. Charlotte Hornets (42-40)

My last pick is the Hornets sneaking in because of the Heat and Cavs dropping. The Hornets still have Kemba, who is a great player to build around. The addition of Tony Parker as a backup provides a championship winning player to mentor the younger guys in the latter stages of his career. The Hornets also did well in drafting Miles Bridges. With a core of Batum, Lamb, Williams, and the now second year Malik Monk, the borderline Hornets will cross the threshold into the playoffs this year.