There is no clear-cut favorite in the Eastern Conference to make the Finals right now. It’s simultaneously thrilling and unsettling. Seriously, how are you supposed to separate the Bucks, Sixers and Celtics? Boston came out of the gate incredibly strong, and while the C’s have cooled off, they are still top five in both offense and defense, the only team in the league with that distinction. Milwaukee is in first place despite missing Khris Middleton—its second-best offensive player—for most of the season. And Philly has been the hottest club of late, with Joel Embiid possibly taking hold of the MVP race alongside a rejuvenated James Harden.
The fierce competition at the top of the conference portends a fascinating postseason. Whichever team’s star emerges from the rubble will receive a massive legacy boost just for making the Finals. Here’s what’s at stake for each of the three favorite’s superstar:
