5 Non-Cavaliers storylines fans should be glued to

The Boston Celtics should be the favorites to win the Eastern Conference after trading for Jrue Holiday, but it’s a curious path that Boston is taking. After making it to the NBA Finals two seasons ago and to Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals last year, the Celtics traded four of their top eight players this offseason to add Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis.

That likely gives Boston the best “Top 6” players in the NBA, but it leaves some big question marks for the bench behind them. They are also relying on an injury-prone Porzingis and a 50-year-old Al Horford (37, but same idea) in the frontcourt. How does head coach Joe Mazulla manage the rotation? Will this group be healthy come the playoffs? Do they get off to a slow start trying to work a post-up player in Porzingis into their offense?

The Celtics could be the biggest obstacle to the Cavaliers breaking through in the Eastern Conference, but they have some questions to answer first.

The Cleveland Cavaliers will always care what happens to the Golden State Warriors, especially for as long as the Stephen Curry era extends. Playing the same team in four straight NBA Finals plants a rivalry deep into the hearts of fans.

There’s another lay involved this season, however, and that’s the protected second-round pick that the Cavaliers own from the Warriors in the 2024 draft. The Cavs have loved picking at the end of the draft in recent seasons, landing Emoni Bates, Luke Travers and Isaiah Mobley the past two years. If the Warriors finish with one of the league’s five-best records the Cavs will get to take another swing in the draft.

The Warriors have a lot to work through heading into the season, from the integration of Chris Paul to the health of Draymond Green. Is this group ready to make one more run at a title, or are they too old to sustain success?