NBA Atlantic Division: First Half Report

The first half of the regular season is over. The all-star break has started, and the trade deadline is coming soon. Teams in the Atlantic Division are looking to get in a spot in the play-in tournament spot and a spot in the playoffs.

The Atlantic Division right now has every team in the seeding for the playoffs. So, let us explain why teams in the Atlantic Division are in their spot now.

Brooklyn Nets

Record: 24-13

PPG: Kyrie Irving 27.2

RPG: DeAndre Jordan 7.5

ASP: Kyrie Irving 6.0

The Nets are having a great season with their big three of all stars Harden, Durant, Irving. Kevin Durant has been injured for the time being, but they are still winning games without his appearance. His return will make them better.

One thing they need to fix is their defense. Brooklyn is the highest scoring team, and opponents must score over 100 points against them. But, they themselves are allowing too many points, they allowed 116.1 points per game. They will need to trade and sign some more players that can play defense while also getting more help on the bench. A player like Blake Griffin can help them off the bench.

New York Knicks

Record: 19-18

PPG: Julius Randle 23.2

RPG: Julius Randle 11.1

ASP: Julius Randle 5.5

The Knicks are the most surprising team in the NBA right now and finally have a chance to be in the playoffs. Julius Randle is playing amazing this season, entering in his first all-star game. New York fans are loving their Knicks and all-star Julius Randle.

The trade for Derrick Rose was great them because Rose fits head coach Tom Thibodeau’s system and is a vet for the young talent. The bench is playing well and the starters rally around Randle. We’ll see if the Knicks can stay in the seeding.

Philadelphia 76ers

Record: 24-12

RPG: Joel Embiid 30.2

RPG: Joel Embiid 11.6

ASP: Ben Simmons 7.6

The 76ers are looking like the best team in the East right now. Joel Embiid is playing like an MVP and is currently the favorite.

The bench is playing well, so as the starting lineup around Embiid. Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris, and Seth Curry a few to mention. They can still add more to the bench, but the 76ers are looking like the favorites to win the East.

Boston Celtics

Record 19-17

PPG: Jayson Tatum 24.9

RPG: Tristan Thompson 8.3

ASP: Jayson Tatum 4.5

The Celtics are struggling this season and it is surprising fans. They have two all-stars of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, but they are barely winning their games.

Injuries to Marcus Smart and Kemba Walker slowed them down this season. The Celtics are hoping that Smart is ready to return for start of the second half of the season. When he returns their defense will get better, then they can be a better team. They are still a playoff team, but if they get knocked off the seeding, a question that will be asked; ‘is Brad Stevens’s job in trouble?’

Toronto Raptors

Record: 17-19

PPG: Fred VanVleet 20.1

RPG: Pascal Siakam 7.5

APG: Kyle Lowry 7.0

Another surprising team that has been struggling is the Raptors. This team just cannot catch a break right now and is barely winning their games like the Celtics.

The Raptors have 6 players averaging over 10 or more points, but the defense is just not there for them. Losing Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol took a big hit to their big positions and defensive leadership. Kyle Lowry has been in the trade rumors and might be traded in March right before the deadline. This team still has young amazing talent, but trades may come to push them to a stronger record.