Can the Detroit Pistons get home-court advantage in the playoffs?

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BOSTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 30: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Charlotte Hornets during a preseason game on September 30, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Tier 1

Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors, and Philadelphia 76ers

The Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors, and Philadelphia 76ers should all be considered heavy favorites to finish in the top three. They’ll be vying for the Eastern Conference crown now that LeBron James has gone west.

Boston, on paper, has the most talent in the East, as Gordon Hayward reunites with fellow All-Stars Kyrie Irving and Al Horford. The Celtics’s starting five is completed by former top-three draft picks in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

Toronto is the enigma in this group, after trading away DeMar Derozan for a top-five player (if healthy) in Kawhi Leonard. The Raptors could challenge Boston, if Leonard buys into the team chemistry that’s already in place.

Philadelphia is the youngest team in this tier, having arguably the most potential. Ben Simmons will have another year of seasoning and former No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz seems to have fixed his jumper.

These teams are essentially locked into three of the top four playoff spots in the East. If the Pistons are going to get home court advantage, they’ll need to emerge with the best record in the second tier of the East.

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