The 2025-26 NBA season begins in less than a week, and there are many interesting narratives that could unfold this time around. One of the biggest talking points among experts during the preseason has been the stark contrast in terms of quality between the Eastern and Western Conferences.
While the West has nearly eight to ten teams that might challenge for the title, the picture is much more grim in the East. The Western Conference has much more firepower when compared to its Eastern counterparts. Nonetheless, there is plenty to break down when it comes to the playoff scenarios in the East and how a few teams could spring up a surprise or two.
While some teams will aim for the crown, others might struggle and look for a draft position in next year’s loaded draft.
Which teams can finish at the top of Eastern Conference?
The last two Eastern Conference champions, Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers could endure a tough season.
The absence of Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton, both of whom are likely to be unavailable for the upcoming season due to their respective Achilles injuries, could be a huge gap to fill.
Both teams have also had their rosters considerably weakened in the offseason. Two teams that can take advantage of the situation are the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks.
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Cleveland are the outright favourites
The Cavaliers have the stars aligned for them to make the top playoff spot theirs for a second season in a row. Not only do they have the league’s most expensive roster, which cost nearly $400 million, they are also the best team in the division on paper. The Cavs have the chance to reach the finals for the first time without LeBron James among their ranks.
All they need is their core of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley to fire on all cylinders.
Can New York Knicks repeat last year’s heroics?
Tom Thibodeau helped the Knicks into the Eastern Conference Finals, but it wasn’t enough. In comes Mike Brown, who will have the task of navigating the workload of the team’s starting five. With Miles McBride, Jordan Clarkson, and Josh Hart on the bench, they have ample firepower to call upon if needed.
Injuries could be a big factor, especially since the Knicks have only 14 players on the roster after maxing out their salary cap.
Orlando expecting Magic from Bane & Banchero
The Orlando Magic solved their shooting woes by acquiring Desmond Bane from the Grizzlies. Last season was all about injuries, but a healthier roster featuring the core of Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, Paolo Banchero, and Franz Wagner may propel this team to greater heights.
Gap year for Celtics and Pacers?
Injuries to Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton have dealt a heavy blow to both Celtics and Pacers’ title credentials. Without their star players, both sides will hinge on their rosters to share the workload.
Celtics do have a roster competitive enough to challenge for the top spots with Jaylen Brown and Derrick White. Payton Pritchard could make an impact off the bench.
For the Pacers, they will rely on Andrew Nembhard, but replicating last year’s heroics will be difficult without Haliburton and Myles Turner’s departure.
Milwaukee Bucks too dependent on Giannis?
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been heavily linked to the Knicks; that’s not ideal for the Milwaukee Bucks, who are heavily reliant on the Greek Giant. Damian Lillard was let go, replaced by Myles Turner, and they have re-signed Kevin Porter Jr.
A lot will depend on how Giannis feels about his future.
Detroit Pistons hoping to go one step further
The Detroit Pistons won 44 games last year, and they have added more steel to their arsenal in the offseason. Duncan Robinson and Caris LeVert have joined the roster. Cade Cunningham will be the main man carrying the Pistons, and with Jaden Ivy back to full fitness, the team can target a top-four finish.
Miami Heat chasing the right mix
The chopping and changing continues at the Miami Heat. They were linked to both Kevin Durant and Damian Lillard, but to no avail. Tyler Herro is recovering from his ankle injury, which means rookie guard Kasparas Jakučionis will be thrown in the deep end.
They will hope for more consistency from Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Erik Spoelstra has a tough job to extract every ounce to make the play-in tournament.
Atlanta Hawks optimistic after surreal offseason
Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Luke Kennard have joined the star-studded cast in Atlanta. They have the ever-reliable Trae Young, and Zaccharie Risarcher needs to have a big season for the Hawks to secure over 48 wins. It will not be easy, but the promising signs are there for Atlanta.
Toronto Raptors may take the last playoff berth
Shooting remains a concern for the Raptors. The starting five core featuring RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl, Brandon Ingram and Immanuel Quickley will have to find some cohesion. Collin Murray-Boyles, Ja’Kobe Walter and Gradey Dick were all decent picks for increasing the bench strength.
Defense is a big concern for the Raptors, and once the season begins, it will become clearer just how good or average the team will be.
Hit or miss season for Chicago Bulls
Josh Giddey has signed a four-year extension, and the Bulls aim to build their squad around the point guard. Only two other teams have made fewer changes to their roster than the Bulls from last season. Giddey, Coby White and Matas Buzelis helped the side to 39 wins last year, and they will hope for more of the same this term as well.
Life at the bottom end of the division
Apart from the aforementioned teams, there are a few others who will be facing an uphill battle. Washington Wizards are expected to have another average season, with the bookies tipping them for a bottom-placed finish. That should help them keep their first-round pick in next year’s draft. The Charlotte Hornets have also battled mediocrity for many years now. Brooklyn Nets will hope to give their youngsters some much-needed experience as player development will be the name of the game. The Philadelphia 76ers will hope that Joel Embiid remains injury-free to last 50-odd games, but where they will finish is anyone’s guess