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Eastern Conference Standings Check: Orlando Magic are in the race

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Paolo Banchero is already establishing himself as one of the best young players in the league as the Orlando Magic climbed into the postseason chase. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Paolo Banchero is already establishing himself as one of the best young players in the league as the Orlando Magic climbed into the postseason chase. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics defends Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) /

Christmas Day Eastern Conference Standings Check

Tier 1: The Contenders

1. Boston Celtics (24-10)

Season Series vs. Magic: Celtics 126, Magic 120 in Orlando on Oct. 22; Magic 117, Celtics 109 in Boston on Dec. 16; Magic 95, Celtics 92 in Boston on Dec. 18; Jan. 23 in Orlando

Do not let the Orlando Magic’s recent trip to Boston fool you, the Boston Celtics are still very much the favorites to win the Eastern Conference as they are playing with a renewed focus to get back to the NBA Finals after falling short last year.

Jayson Tatum made a major statement in the Christmas Day win over the Milwaukee Bucks with 41 points and seven rebounds. Tatum took over the third quarter to put the game petty much out of reach. that will be a feather in his cap for his MVP candidacy.

That should put some of the concerns about the Celtics to rest that this team will be fine in the end.

Boston has lost five of its last seven games entering Sunday’s win over Milwaukee. Pretty soon thihs team will get Robert Williams III back up to speed and will surely be back on the winning path. The Celtics just have to tighten up their defense because they have plenty of firepower to score.

2. Milwaukee Bucks (22-11)

Season Series vs. Magic: Bucks 109, Magic 102 in Orlando on Dec. 5; March 1 in Milwaukee; March 7 in Orlando

Like the Boston Celtics, the Milwaukee Bucks are easing off the throttle some from their torrid start, having lost four of their last seven games. That is a lot for them.

The Bucks are just a very good team and eager to win back their title that they did not feel like they got to properly defend last year.

Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to play at an MVP level even as he continues to integrate more jump shooting into hisgame. If anything, the biggest issue for the Bucks has been getting Antetokounmpo to settle for the perimeter jumpers.

Everyone knows that Milwaukee has an ace in the hole with Khris Middleton dealing with an injury and still missing time. Middleton is the real X-factor for this team, giving Milwaukee another shooting threat and someone they can set plays up for to get Antetokounmpo the ball on the move more effectively.

The Bucks and Celtics have clearly separated themselves from the rest of the pack in the Eastern Conference. Right now, it is not particularly close. Although there are plenty of teams eager to challenge.