The Toronto Raptors are the best team in the Eastern Conference. They have the best record, the deepest roster, and the most playoff experience. (Don’t laugh. Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green account for more playoff success than all the other Eastern Conference contenders combined.)
They belong in a “top tier” of the East which seems to be a cut above the rest: The Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Philadelphia 76ers. Apologizes to the Indiana Pacers, but I’m just not there yet.
According to the standings, Milwaukee and Philadelphia appear to be the biggest threats outside of Canada.