Eastern, Western Conference Teams Expected in NBA Play-In Tournament

The upcoming NBA season presents significant challenges for several teams, particularly in the Eastern Conference. The Boston Celtics, faced with Jayson Tatum's season-long Achilles injury, are predicted by NBA experts to struggle and likely compete for a play-in tournament spot rather than contend for the championship, despite internal optimism. Celtics fans prefer familiarity in the starting lineup, favoring players like Payton Pritchard over newcomers such as Anfernee Simons. The Milwaukee Bucks, dealing with injuries to key players and trying to retain Giannis Antetokounmpo, are also expected to fight to avoid the play-in, with Antetokounmpo's future possibly hinging on the team's success. In the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Lakers, transitioning into the Luka Doncic era alongside LeBron James, are predicted to barely avoid the play-in tournament, though they aim to improve on last season's performance. Overall, injuries and roster transitions are shaping expectations for several prominent NBA teams this season.