The NBA’s Eastern Conference now has a clear big four: the defending champion Celtics, the improved Knicks and 76ers and the Giannis Antetokounmpo-led Bucks.
The Celtics, with their entire core intact, remains the favorites, but the other three powers are legitimate contenders as well.
Sports+ breaks down how the four teams compare in three ways: star power, intangibles and coaching.
Star power
1. 76ers