As we head into December, the Eastern Conference has already started to take shape with a few surprise leaders and some early struggles from typically strong teams. The standings are tightening in the middle,

The Islanders enter Wednesday’s game in third place in the Metropolitan Division with 28 points and two points ahead of the Bruins in the Eastern Conference race.

Toronto’s early-season slide has worsened, leaving the Maple Leafs at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with mounting questions about their trajectory.

The Tampa Bay Lightning’s surging offense and dominant defense are propelling them to the top. The Eastern Conference hasn't had many teams that can stop them.

The Detroit Pistons beat the Miami Heat 138-135, led by Cade Cunningham's 29 points and Duncan Robinson's impactful return to Miami, improving their record to 16-4.

BOTTOM LINE: Chicago plays Indiana in Eastern Conference action Saturday. The Pacers are 2-8 against conference opponents. Indiana is fifth in the Eastern Conference in rebounding with 45.3 rebounds. Pascal Siakam leads the Pacers with 7.1 boards.

One NBA insider feels the Warriors could end up making a big swap that would fill a vital need on their roster.

"Many teams around the NBA aren't looking for the type of player Sabonis is, as his lack of athleticism and ability to consistently stretch the floor as a shooting option limits h