The Philadelphia 76ers have a good chance to come out of the East. Which conference opponent stands in their way?
The Eastern Conference has become much tougher than it was just a year ago.
The Philadelphia 76ers have improved tremendously and made life harder for the East. The Detroit Pistons, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New York Knicks are near the top of the list as formidable opponents. Let’s not forget the Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors, and Atlanta Hawks are all looking to improve on a season they wish would have lasted longer. Even the Washington Wizards have a complete overhaul of their team to become a possible threat.
But the real question is, which Eastern Conference team poses the biggest threat to the Philadelphia 76ers' hopes of being NBA champions?
While there are so many options to choose from, the real answer is the Detroit Pistons.
This Pistons team may be a huge problem for anyone they face. Even though they are still at an impasse with Jalen Duren, this young Pistons team is really a group that can stay in the upper echelon of the NBA. Cade Cunningham is one of the best point guards in the league today, and his ability to score and be a floor general for others makes him even harder to contend with. The Pistons were in the top ten in nearly every category.
Eighth in points per game, third in opponents' points per game, tenth in offensive rating, and second in defensive rating. They have veteran forward Duncan Robinson along with young star Ausar Thompson. These two made life difficult for opponents with Robinson’s shooting ability to go with his defensive toughness, while Thompson is a relentless slasher who is always looking to demolish the rim.
All this, and they haven’t even discussed their additions of Isaiah Joe from the Oklahoma City Thunder and the other trades for John Collins, Taurean Prince, and Gary Harris. All these players will provide adequate depth for a team looking to achieve the top spot again.
All that being said, it's still very possible for Philadelphia to overcome this team. Especially considering from top to bottom they both go toe-to-toe. The 76ers have a more volatile starting lineup with LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese, Maxey, and Joel Embiid. This would be a series that comes down to who makes the least amount of mistakes and veteran leadership. No one knows what this 76ers defense will look like, but Detroit will be a real problem when it comes down to it.
So who would come out on top? The offensive nuance of the 76ers or the suffocating chaotic defense of the Pistons? This season we're sure to find out.
