A Wide Open Eastern Conference: Who Will Rise to the Top?
The 2025 NBA postseason has left us with many questions about the outcome of the 2026 NBA season. Notable Achilles injuries to Jayson Tatum, Damian Lillard, and Tyrese Haliburton have created an opening for a new team to claim the East. With questions about the Cleveland Cavaliers and a new coach for the New York Knicks, there is no clear favorite to win the conference. Is this the Knicks' best chance? Does Cleveland have the experience it needs? Or will a newcomer emerge?
Injury-Plagued Teams, Do They Have a Chance?
Achilles injuries have left the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and Indiana Pacers in sticky situations, with no immediate option for their star replacements. While Boston and Milwaukee still have solid teams that could make noise in the postseason, winning the East seems unlikely. As Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo's future is undecided, this could affect Milwaukee's chances. For the Indiana Pacers, their expectations have drastically dropped after Haliburton’s torn Achilles and the departure of Myles Turner. While one move could boost or hurt any of these teams' chances, for now, they are one tier below the Cavs and Knicks.
Who Is the Favorite to Win the East?
The Cleveland Cavaliers were the number one seed in the 2025 postseason, finishing with a 64-18 record before falling in the second round to the Indiana Pacers. The New York Knicks had their best season in 25 years, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000. However, they fell victim to the Pacers as well after six hard-fought games. Heading into 2025-26, the Cavs and Knicks appear to be the only two contenders that are healthy. In Mike Brown’s first season coaching at the Garden, Cleveland will be a slight favorite, retaining their core to gear up for another strong season.
A Potential Newcomer to Emerge?
In a wide-open East, there is room for a team that was not a contender in 2025 to emerge in 2026. The Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic are young teams with budding superstars that fell to more experienced teams in the first round of the postseason. Paolo Banchero and Cade Cunningham performed on the biggest stage, building confidence to take the next step for their teams. The Philadelphia 76ers are perhaps the biggest wild card in the conference. On paper, they appear to be a legit contender. However, nagging injuries to Joel Embiid and Paul George prevented their on-court trio with Tyrese Maxey from taking the court. If healthy, they could prove to be a viable threat to New York and Cleveland. With no clear frontrunner, the uncertainty in the Eastern Conference has made it the most unpredictable race in years.
