The Athletic NBA Daily NBA Eastern Conference Preview: The top 5 contenders
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Oct 17, 2025 James Edwards, an insightful NBA reporter for The Athletic, and Es Baraheni, a skilled NBA writer for the same outlet, dive into the competitive landscape of the Eastern Conference. They discuss the top five players in the East, debating the merits of stars like Giannis, Jalen Brunson, and Donovan Mitchell. The duo also predicts breakout candidates, evaluates teams likely to miss the Play-In, and ranks the top contenders. With candid assessments, they tackle roster challenges, player potential, and who might emerge victorious in the playoffs.
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Giannis Is The East’s Clear No.1
- Giannis Antetokounmpo is the clear best player in the Eastern Conference right now.
- Panelists treat Joel Embiid as a major question mark due to health and availability concerns.
Brunson’s Scoring Drives His Status
- Jalen Brunson ranks high due to his scoring and proven offensive impact for the Knicks.
- Panelists wonder if Brunson can evolve into more off-ball roles to conserve energy and sustain longevity.
Mitchell’s Playoff Role Is Pivotal
- Donovan Mitchell is seen as the Cavaliers' top offensive driver whose playoff form matters most.
- Panelists emphasize Mitchell must improve playmaking to free teammates in postseason defenses.