NBA Legend Explains Why 76ers Will Reign Supreme In The East

Charles Barkley is known for his bold predictions when he appears on TNT’s NBA coverage during the season but he has gone out on a limb and made his predictions for the upcoming season before training camp has officially begun. The NBA legend has picked his favorites for the Eastern Conference and even went on to predict the team that will go all the way from the East.

The reigning champions Toronto Raptors are unlikely to be in the mix this season despite dethroning the all-conquering Golden State Warriors after they lost Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green this summer to Los Angeles Clippers and Lakers respectively.

The Milwaukee Bucks, last season’s Eastern Conference finalists and the best regular season team, are expected to be among the contenders this season as they still have 2018-19 MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo in their ranks and the only player they will be missing Malcolm Brogdon, who joined the Indiana Pacers.

The Philadelphia 76ers may have lost Jimmy Butler to Miami Heat in free agency but they re-signed Tobias Harris and acquired Al Horford in free agency from the Boston Celtics. Barkley has anointed his former team the top dogs in the Eastern Conference and believes they will take the fight to the Bucks this season.

The 11-time NBA All-Star believes the Sixers and Bucks will battle throughout the season for top spot in the East, but believes the former will come out on top and go on to win the Eastern Conference finals and make it to the 2020 NBA Finals. The Clippers and Lakers are touted to be the two favorites emerging from the Western Conference.

“I’m going out on a limb right now, I’m riding or dying with the Philadelphia 76ers. It’s gonna be a great battle between them and the Milwaukee Bucks all year," Barkley told NBA TV. "I love Philadelphia. I love Al Horford, Josh Richardson. Milwaukee losing (Malcolm) Brodgon, I think that’s a big deal.”

“But I think it’s a two team race in the Eastern Conference between the 76ers and the Milwaukee Bucks. I can’t wait until they play each other head to head,” he added. "I guarantee you the Philadelphia 76ers are going to win the Eastern Conference," said Barkley.”