This season is close to halfway through the regular season, and the situation in the East is gradually becoming clearer. On January 1, Beijing time, the Heat defeated the Rockets 120-110 to win 5 consecutive games, and the Bulls beat the Pacers 108-106 to win 6 consecutive games. The Bulls finished first in the East with 23 wins and 10 losses, while the Heat finished fourth in the East with 23 wins and 13 losses, just 1.5 wins behind the Bulls and Nets.
The East is now in the First Group for the Bulls, Nets, Bucks and Heat, and Philadelphia's three-game winning streak shows signs of recovery. This season's East is basically these five powerhouses competing for supremacy. The two dark horse Cavaliers and Wizards have faded, and the team's record has declined, making it difficult to compete with the top five.
The Bulls have a good momentum, DeRozan, Ravin and Vucevic have formed a big three lineup, the team has room for further improvement, the two tough players Lonzo Ball and Caruso are still in the truce, and when they return, the team will be stronger. DeRozan was the king of the final quarter of the season, scoring five consecutive points in the last 40 seconds of the game, including a three-point shot.
The Nets welcomed Back Durant, but lost their comeback first game on December 31. The Nets still need to be run-in, even with Irving back.
The Heat's core Butler scored 37 points on Jan. 1 to lead the team to victory. Omer Jurt Cevenn continues to be the Heat, having 10 points and 13 rebounds and has rebounded in double figures in seven consecutive games, including two double-doubles in the last three games.
The Heat also have Adebayo, Tucker and others missing the game, and the team's staying power is worth looking forward to. Philadelphia's team has a steady performance despite the consistent lack of Simmons, and the team has shown an upward momentum recently, and this team must not be underestimated.
The wizards and knights who once occupied the top position in the East have faded. The Wizards also lack run-ins, and there are defensive shortcomings. Cavaliers point guards suffered severe damage, Both Sexton and Rubio were reimbursed for the season, and bringing in Rondo wouldn't completely solve the problem. Neither the Cavaliers nor the Wizards have been able to make a big difference in the East this season.