We are about a quarter of the way through the 2021 NBA season. So, it is no longer unreasonable to start making assumptions about teams, especially the good ones. While there are many good teams, I am not going to beat around the bush- the Philadelphia 76ers will represent the Eastern Conference in the 2021 NBA finals.
The 76ers will represent the East because they could be something that no other team in the conference can be and still win: themselves. Yes, if the 76ers continue to play the way that they have been, they will win the Eastern Conference Finals. First, it starts with the big man. Joel Embiid, currently averaging roughly 23 points a game and 12 rebounds a game and is one of the leading candidates for the MVP trophy. He can match up with any forward in the league and has the ability to out-rebound, outscore, and outplay any center in the league. Also on offense, Philly can hit opposing teams with a barrage of different scorers, like Tobias Harris and Seth Curry, who are also both averaging above 15 points per game. Of course, there is always the threat of Ben Simmons, who, even though he does not score that many points, is still a threat in transition and a star on defense that other teams need to respect. There are also pleasant surprises that the 76ers have had, such as Tyrese Maxey and Matisse Thybulle, who have both been playing very well. Furthermore, Philadelphia has a very well-rounded bench that gives them solid depth and the ability to not overplay their starters. I could go on and on about the types of players and overall team that Philadelphia has, but there is one thing that continues to make them better than any other team in the Eastern Conference, and that is the fact that every single player on that team understands and accepts their role.
While this may seem like something so miniscule, it is both certainly something that other teams do not have and/or cannot do. Having everyone understand their role as a player establishes the right culture, and when teams have the right culture, they grow together and excel. Philadelphia has the perfect combination of outright talent and positive team culture that gives them, in my opinion, the ability to beat anyone in the conference. As much as this is a case for the 76ers to win the East, this is also a case against any other possible contenders in the conference.
If you consider the other potential contenders in the conference, Philadelphia can matchup with every single one of them. Even though there are also no fans, whichever team has home court advantage will certainly still consider that a benefit. I do not think anyone can beat them in the East in a seven game series. So, as I said before, if Philadelphia continues to be themselves, they will win the East.
Just a side note, whether or not Philadelphia comes out of the East, whoever comes out of the West will certainly win the NBA Finals, but this article is the case for the Eastern Conference Finals.