Now that the 2023-24 NBA season is roughly a quarter over with, we can see some rough outlines of what each of the league's Eastern Conference teams will look like by the time the 2024 NBA Playoffs roll around. Some teams have surprised us in terms of their record and play, a handful have disappointed their fans with how they have performed on the court so far -- and several are exactly the ball clubs we thought they were.

The Boston Celtics, for their part, have hit the ground running faster than many have expected, but also have shown some weaknesses in need of addressing. But how real is the sizzling start of the Orlando Magic, and will the Cleveland Cavaliers continue to flirt with being a lottery team?

What about the new-look Philadelphia 76ers, who Boston plays on Friday? To answer all of the above -- and the last question in particular -- the hosts of the CLNS Media "Celtics Lab" podcast linked up with Sixers Wire's Ky Carlin to assess the state of the East at the season's quarter mark.

We also settle our differences on the merits of the in-season tournament, whether Boston has more moves to make, and more, so hit play on the clip embedded below to get your bearings on how the East is shaking out so far.

The Celtics Lab podcast is brought to you by FanDuel.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices