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What Divisions Are in the Eastern Conference?

By: Author Andrew Herig

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What Divisions Are in the Eastern Conference?

What Divisions Are in the Eastern Conference?

The NBA, as we’ve previously discussed and listed out, is made up of 30 individual franchise teams, scattered across the contiguous Unite States and Canada. These teams are listed within two separate and distinct conferences, respectively the Eastern and Western Conference’s.

However, and unbeknownst to many, both the Eastern and Western Conference’s are further broken down into three additional divisions. Making up a total of six independent and unique divisions, the NBA divvies up franchise teams based on geographical location.

However, in looking strictly at the Eastern Conference, just what divisions are in the Eastern Conference?

Below, we will take a look at the three divisions within the Eastern Conference and will also take a look at the franchise teams which make up the three divisions within the Eastern Conference.

Why is the NBA Divided into Divisions?

In an effort to create a more compelling and equitable league, the NBA created divisions as a subclass within the conference system.  As there are two conferences, the Eastern and Western, consisting of 15 franchise teams, those 15 teams are further divvied into equal divisions of 5 apiece.

To be eligible for a playoff berth, an NBA team must have one of the top eight records within their conference.  Only the top eight teams within each conference are eligible for a playoff spot, with the seeding determining initial matchups.

However, with the inclusion of divisions within the two conferences, the top seeded teams within specific divisions and the team with the overall better record are eligible for preferential seeding in the event of ties and the same number of wins-and-losses for the season.

However, as is the nature of the NBA, divisions can quickly become dominant powerhouses and just as quickly lose much of their former glory.  With the availability of draft picks, ability to trade players, and to recruit new coaches and staff, one division may carry a conference for many years before losing their luster and steam.

What Are the Eastern Conference Divisions?

As stated above, each conference is evenly divided between three divisions, each with five individual franchise NBA teams.  For the Eastern Conference, the three divisions are outlined below:

  • Atlantic
  • Central
  • Southeast

Atlantic Division

The Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference consists of five teams, the Boston Celtics, the Brooklyn Nets, the New York Knicks, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Toronto Raptors.

Of the teams in the Atlantic Division, all four except for the Toronto Raptors are located in the East Coast of the United States.

Started in the 1970-71 NBA season, upon expansion of the league from 14 to 17 teams, the Atlantic Division features the prominent Boston Celtics, whom along with the Los Angeles Lakers, are tied for the most NBA championship titles in league history with 17 apiece.

In addition, the Boston Celtics have won the most Atlantic Division titles, with 23.

Central Division

The Central Division consists of an additional five teams from the Eastern Conference. Made up of the Chicago Bulls, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Detroit Pistons, the Indiana Pacers, and the Milwaukee Bucks.

Again, this division was created in the 1970-71 NBA season, upon expansion of the league from 14 to 17 teams.

From the Central Division, the Milwaukee Bucks have won the most Central Division titles, with 11 respectively. Similarly, the Detroit Pistons have won the second most NBA titles with nine, and there have been 13 NBA champions which have been a part of the Central Division.

Southeast Division

The Southeast Division makes up the final division of the NBA’s Eastern Conference. Consisting of an additional five teams, the Southeast Division is made up of the Atlanta Hawks, the Charlotte Hornets, the Miami Heat, the Orlando Magic, and the Washington Wizards.

However, unlike the Atlantic or Central Divisions, the Southeast Division was started in the 2004-05 NBA season, when the league expanded from 29 to 30 teams with the addition of the then Charlotte Bobcats.

From the Southeast Division, the Miami Heat have won the most division titles with 11 and hold the NBA record for most consecutive years for winning the division title, with 4, which was done from 2011 to 2014.

Best Current Players from Each Division

While the Eastern Conference has had a storied history, recent years have seen a decline in output from the conference. However, with the resurgence of the Milwaukee Bucks and the acquisition of key players from the Western Conference, the Eastern Conference has become a formidable opponent once again.

Best Players in the Atlantic Division

  • Kevin Durant – For the 2021-22 NBA season, Kevin Durant played 55 games, averaging 29.9 points per game, 7.4 rebounds, and 6.4 assists. With a player efficiency rating of 25.6.
  • Kyrie Irving – For the 2021-22 NBA season, Kyrie Irving played just 29 games but had a huge impact on the team. Averaging 27.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.8 assists, he would have a player efficiency rating of 21.4.
  • Jayson Tatum – In the 2021-22 NBA season, Jayson Tatum played 76 games, averaging just a shy away from 27 points per game, adding 8 rebounds and 4.4 assists to his profile.

Best Players in the Central Division

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo – In the 2021-22 NBA season, Giannis Antetokounmpo played 67 games, averaging 29.9 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. He had a player efficiency rating of 32.1.
  • Alex Caruso – for the 2021-22 NBA season, Alex Caruso played 41 games and was instrumental in the Chicago Bulls’ success. A veteran player, Caruso helped the team establish a more efficient style of play.
  • Jeremi Grant – playing for the Detroit Piston, Jeremi Grant played 47 games, averaging 19.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game.

Southeast Division

  • Trae Young – Trae Young is one of the most prolific shooters for the Atlanta Hawks. In the 2021-22 NBA season, he played 76 games, averaging 28.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 9.7 assists per game.
  • Jimmy Butler – Jimmy Butler plays an instrumental role for the Miami Heat and in the 2021-22 NBA season he played 57 games, averaging 21.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game.
  • Gordon Hayward – with a younger squad, Gordon Hayward is helping the Charlotte Hornets in the Southeast Division. In the 2021-22 NBA season, he played 49 games and averaged 15.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game.