The Celtics are the clear favorites in the East. Which other teams are the biggest threats?

Outside of perhaps a few delusional 76ers fans, I think we can all agree the Celtics are the definitive favorites in the Eastern Conference.

That doesn’t guarantee a trip to the NBA Finals, of course, but it’s abundantly clear at this point that Boston has the best odds to represent the East.

At the same time, getting there almost certainly won’t be easy. The East isn’t quite as loaded as the West, but there are still plenty of teams capable of challenging the Celtics. Which ones are legitimate threats? Which ones are less dangerous?

Here’s one opinion, counting them down from least likely to beat the Celtics to most likely to beat them (and again, I don’t think anyone in the East is beating them this year).

Honorable mention: Chicago Bulls, Brooklyn Nets, Toronto Raptors. None of these teams are doing it. No, not even the Raptors with Kelly Olynyk. Sorry, Kelly.

8) Atlanta Hawks

It’s highly unlikely the Hawks would beat the Celtics in a seven-game series, but they’re talented enough to at least enter the chat.

Having Trae Young on the roster makes them capable of winning any game. It also makes them capable of losing any game. As much of a weapon as Young is offensively, he’s even more of a liability defensively. Atlanta wouldn’t be able to get enough stops throughout the series.

7) Orlando Magic

The Magic are on the rise, and they’ve been one of the best storylines of the season. Orlando has a legitimately excellent nucleus, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they make the Conference Finals within the next five years.

It won’t be this year, though. If the Celtics and Magic face off in the first round, you can put your worries about Orlando’s four-game, head-to-head winning streak behind you. The Celtics have realized they can’t sleep on the Magic and have won two straight in the series with conviction. Orlando might take it to five or six, but there’s not enough firepower or experience there to actually beat Boston.

6) Indiana Pacers

The Pacers are explosive, and they’re not a team Boston should want to see in the first round. In the second round, sure, but not right away. Not unless they want to get in a track meet with the occasional kerfuffle.

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