6. LA Clippers 17-12
The new-look LA Clippers with James Harden had their problems in the beginning, but boy have they turned that around. The Clippers are poised to make a deep playoff run more so this season compared to any of their other recent seasons primarily because health has worked in their favor thus far in 2023-2024. LA is legit and with a healthy star-studded cast with names like Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook all repping the same jersey, they can make some noise.
The Clippers have a 20-7 home record along with their 17-12 road record. However, they are just 8-4 in division games and 23-15 in Western Conference games. If anything, those stats just prove that this Clippers team has had more success against the East.
If they stay healthy and find a way to make it to that NBA Finals stage, they can be a serious threat to any Eastern Conference squad. With LA finding themselves with one of the better road records, veterans Leonard and George are guys who have seen it all in playoff basketball. Leonard is a 2X NBA Champion and has the experience and hungriness to add another title to his resume.