It was an eventful couple of weeks for teams in the East. New York Knicks won the NBA Cup 2025, as they are fighting it out with Detroit Pistons to finish top of the Eastern Conference. The Pistons and Knicks are locked in a heated battle, while the chasing pack are fighting it out for playoff berths. Without further ado, let’s take a look at all the drama that unfolded in the past two weeks in East. 

Key Match Summaries 

With only 3 defeats in their past ten games, Detroit Pistons are in red-hot form. JB Bikerstaff’s men embarked on a four-match winning streak before they were stunned by Dallas Mavericks 116-114. Cooper Flagg channeled his inner god mode to stun the table toppers, who have since bounced back by winning over Charlotte Hornets.

Meanwhile, New York Knicks’ 7-match winning streak ended last week as they were beaten by Philadelphia 76ers. Fresh after winning the NBA Cup, the Knicks dismantled Indian Pacers before losing to the 76ers 107-116. Jalen Brunson starred once again for Mike Brown and Co. as they beat Miami Heat to end week 9 on a high.

The past two weeks were a mixed bag for Boston Celtics as they lost back to back games to Milwaukee Bucks and the Pistons. However, Jaylen Brown rediscovered his mojo to power Joe Mazzulla’s side past Miami Heat, and another win over Toronto Raptors helped them keep the winning run going.

Philadelphia 76ers have had their ups and downs in recent weeks. Barring their two defeats to Los Angeles Lakers and Atlanta Hawks, Nick Nurse’s team has won all of their past six outings. Tyrese Maxey has been the player to watch out for as he leads his team with 31.7 average points per game.

Toronto Raptors are slipping down the table after losing six of their past 8 matches. Two wins over Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks were followed by crushing defeats against Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets. Brandon Ingram scored 24 and 19 points in the two defeats, but didn’t get the support he desired from his teammates. 

Jamahl Mosley’s Orlando Magic have also struggled for consistency. They alternated between a win and a defeat in recent games, losing back-to-back against the Knicks and Denver Nuggets before beating Utah Jazz.  

Miami Heat are also tumbling down the table with only 2 wins in their last ten games. Apart from wins over Los Angeles Clippers and the recent win over Brooklyn Nets, Erik Spoelstra’s side have lost to all teams above them in the table in what has been a tough period for them. 

Cleveland Cavaliers have also been struggling for wins as they have lost 3 games in a row in recent weeks after beating Washington Wizards. Week 9 saw Kenny Atkinson’s men fall twice to Chicago Bulls, even as Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland top-scored in the matches, but they got little support. 

Atlanta Hawks and Chicago Bulls occupy the qualification playoffs spots, with Milwaukee Bucks and Charlotte Hornets further behind. Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers and Washington Wizards are languishing in the bottom three spots. 

Standout Players and Performances

76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (8.23) is the best-rated player on SofaScore’s average ratings from the East. Cade Cunningham (8.08) and Jalen Johnson (8.02) are also in the top five. Donovan Mitchell (7.94) and Jalen Brunson (7.91) are also among the top ten. 

League Table & Impact

Detroit Pistons have managed to hold off New York Knicks and remain in control of the top spot, with Boston Celtics in third place. Philadelphia 76ers are in fourth place after Week 9, just ahead of Toronto Raptors and the Orlando Magic. Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers occupy the last remaining automatic playoff berths. Atlanta Hawks and Chicago Bulls round off the top ten.

Milwaukee Bucks and Charlotte Hornets are chasing the qualification playoffs spots, while Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers and Washington Wizards are in the bottom three. 

Injuries and Suspension Updates

Hornets duo LaMelo Ball and Ryan Kalkbrenner are being monitored on a day-to-day basis. Craig Potter Jr. and Donovan Mitchell are also touch-and-go for Cleveland’s next outing. Jalen Duren and Ronald Holland could miss Detroit’s next match on Monday. Indiana Pacers are sweating on the fitness of TJ McConnell and Johnny Furphy. Tristan da Silva is being monitored by Orlando. Paul George and Joel Embiid will be sidelined due to their respective injuries. 

Looking Ahead

NBA action continues in Week 10 as Christmas week festivities will begin. On the big day, Cavs will face the Knicks, while a fixture between Spurs and Thunder will take place. The Warriors will take on the Mavs, while Rockets meet the Lakers. Orlando will play Golden State while Spurs and Thunder will also faceoff before their Christmas Day fixture.