As we head into December, the Eastern Conference has already started to take shape with a few surprise leaders and some early struggles from typically strong teams. The standings are tightening in the middle, setting the stage for an exciting winter stretch.
Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons forward Ronald Holland II (5) and guard Javonte Green (31) defend against Boston Celtics forward Josh Minott (8) in the first half at TD Garden. Credit: David Butler II-Imagn ImagesW-L record: 15-3Win%: .833Detroit has surged ahead of the conference with a strong, consistent start. Their balanced approach has made them tough to beat both at home and on the road.Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors guard Ja’Kobe Walter (14) drives to the basket as Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) tries to defend during the third quarter at Scotiabank Arena. Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn ImagesW-L record: 14-5Win%: .737Toronto remains close behind Detroit with impressive two-way play. Their steady momentum keeps them firmly in the upper tier of the East.Miami Heat
Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) brings the ball up court against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half of an NBA Cup game at Kaseya Center. Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn ImagesW-L record: 13-6Win%: .684The Heat are playing sharp, efficient basketball on both ends. They continue to look like one of the conference’s most reliable contenders.New York Knicks
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) looks to pass during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn ImagesW-L record: 11-6Win%: .647New York has shown flashes of strong play but still battles stretches of inconsistency. When in rhythm, they can compete with anyone.Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Chris Livingston (8) tries to reach a rebound against the Toronto Raptors during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn ImagesW-L record: 12-7Win%: .632Cleveland remains solidly in the mix, winning several close contests. Their ability to grind out games keeps them competitive in a tight standings race.Atlanta Hawks
Washington Wizards forward Corey Kispert (24) prepares to block shot by Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (7) in the first half at Capital One Arena. Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesW-L record: 11-8Win%: .579Atlanta has been up and down but continues to hang around the middle of the pack. If they string together more consistent performances, they could climb quickly.Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze (35) reacts after his score against the Philadelphia 76ers during the third quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn ImagesW-L record: 11-8Win%: .579Orlando is quietly staying competitive, finding ways to win close games. Their young roster continues to show promising growth.Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) makes the basket against the Detroit Pistons in the second half at TD Garden. Credit: David Butler II-Imagn ImagesW-L record: 10-8Win%: .556Boston has had a slower start than expected, dropping some winnable games. They’ll need to sharpen their execution to rise back toward the top of the standings.Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls guard Jevon Carter (5) steals the ball from New Orleans Pelicans center Derik Queen (22) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn ImagesW-L record: 9-8Win%: .529The Bulls are hovering just above .500 with a mix of solid outings and tough losses. Their ceiling depends on improved defensive consistency.Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers forward Jabari Walker (33) drives for a shot against the Orlando Magic during the third quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn ImagesW-L record: 9-8Win%: .529Philadelphia has been inconsistent but still within striking distance of playoff positioning. Finding stability will be the key to their December push.Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts against the Dallas Mavericks during the first quarter at American Airlines Center. Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn ImagesW-L record: 8-11Win%: .421Milwaukee has stumbled early, struggling to put together winning streaks. They’ll need a strong turnaround to avoid a deeper slide.Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) drives past New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) during the second half at the Spectrum Center. Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn ImagesW-L record: 4-14Win%: .222Charlotte continues to face significant challenges this season. Wins have been hard to come by as the team works through growing pains.Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn Nets guard Drake Powell (4) goes to the basket as New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) defends during the second half at Barclays Center. Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesW-L record: 3-14Win%: .176Brooklyn has had a very difficult opening stretch. Without major adjustments, they remain stuck near the bottom of the conference.Washington Wizards
Washington Wizards center Alex Sarr (20) holds the ball as Atlanta Hawks forward Jacob Toppin (0) defends in the second half at Capital One Arena. Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesW-L record: 2-15Win%: .118Washington’s struggles have been persistent, with little momentum so far. They may need big changes to stay competitive moving forward.Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) controls the ball as Toronto Raptors forward Collin Murray-Boyles (12) tries to defend during the first quarter at Scotiabank Arena. Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn ImagesW-L record: 2-16Win%: .111Indiana has had one of the toughest starts in the league. With only a couple wins, it’s clear they’re searching for answers on both ends of the court.Conclusion
Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) celebrates the win against the Indiana Pacers at the end the fourth quarter at Scotiabank Arena. Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
With December underway, the Eastern Conference is beginning to show which teams are rising early and which are scrambling to find their footing. As the schedule toughens and playoff races slowly take shape, the next month will offer an important glimpse into who’s built to last through the long season.