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Eastern Conference Standings Check: Orlando Magic trying to stay in striking distance

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Paolo Banchero had a star-making run in the third quarter to bring the Orlando Magic back in a win over the Golden State Warriors. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
Paolo Banchero had a star-making run in the third quarter to bring the Orlando Magic back in a win over the Golden State Warriors. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports /
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Terrence Ross, Orlando Magic, Marcus Smart, Boston Celtics
Terrence Ross’ 29-point outburst Saturday was reminiscent of his 2019 days. But his hot start suggests a major turnaround for the Orlando Magic stalwart. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports /

Thanksgiving Eastern Conference standings check

Tier 1: The Contenders

1. Boston Celtics (14-4)

Season Series vs. Magic: Celtics 126, Magic 120 in Orlando on Oct. 22; Dec. 16 in Boston; Dec. 18 in Boston; Jan. 23 in Orlando

There is no surprise who the top teams in the Eastern Conference are. The Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks were likely the top two teams by the time the Playoffs rolled around last year, played a classic seven-game series in the second round last season and came back with something to prove this year.

The Boston Celtics had a lot to prove after they finally broke through to the NBA Finals only to fall short to the experienced Golden State Warriors. Their young players saw firsthand the sacrifice and intensity the Finals bring with them.

Jayson Tatum got off to a blistering start to the season, averaging 30.6 points per game. But the Celtics have managed to put together the top offense in the league. And this is a team that does not look like it is going to slow down.

A lot of teams lose in the Finals and then struggle to gain the same edge the next year. Boston does not look like that kind of team.

2. Milwaukee Bucks (12-5)

Season Series vs. Magic: Dec. 5 in Orlando; March 1 in Milwaukee; March 7 in Orlando

Similar to the Boston Celtics, the Milwaukee Bucks looked at last year and left a lot on the table. The Bucks lost that second-round series with the Celtics last year after holding a 3-2 lead and a home Game 6. Khris Middleton’s injury played a factor for sure. But the Bucks would ahve liked the chance to defend their title in the Finals.

That is a big driver for a great player like Giannis Antetokounmpo. He is already putting up his usual MVP numbers to start the season — averaging 30.5 points per game, 11.5 rebounds per game and 5.5 assists per game. Antetokounmpo is on a mission.

And the team still has been without Middleton. That was the big difference in last year’s playoff series loss. Milwaukee has found other offensive players to fill. But obviously, everyone is looking ahead to April and May more than they are to November and December.