Knicks As the Favorites: Who Still Stands in Their Way in a Weakened East?
For the first time in years, the New York Knicks enter the season as the favorites to take control of the Eastern Conference. With Jayson Tatum injured for Boston and Tyrese Haliburton sidelined in Indiana, two of their biggest rivals are suddenly vulnerable. That reality shifts the spotlight directly onto New York, who now carry the weight of expectation. Yet, in the NBA, a weakened conference does not mean an easy road to the Finals. The Knicks must be prepared for other teams eager to challenge their rise if they want to return to the Conference Finals.
The Milwaukee Bucks stand out as the most dangerous threat, even without Damian Lillard in the picture. Giannis Antetokounmpo remains the centerpiece of their success, a force of nature capable of bending games to his will. The addition of Myles Turner has brought rim protection, floor spacing, and new energy to a team eager to reinvent itself. With Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Trent Jr., and Kyle Kuzma surrounding Giannis, Milwaukee still has talent to overwhelm defenses. For New York, containing Giannis and matching Milwaukee’s new style will be one of their toughest tasks.
The Philadelphia 76ers also remain a team worth watching closely. Joel Embiid, when healthy, is still one of the most dominant players in the league. Paired with Tyrese Maxey’s continued emergence as a dynamic scorer, the Sixers have the firepower to give any contender trouble. While depth is not their strongest suit, stars often decide playoff series, and Philadelphia has two of them. The Knicks will need discipline on both ends of the floor to keep Philadelphia from stealing momentum.
The Cleveland Cavaliers provide another interesting test for New York this season. Donovan Mitchell’s offensive brilliance gives the Cavs a proven closer in big games. Evan Mobley’s growth as a defender and developing scorer continues to raise Cleveland’s ceiling. While they may lack the championship pedigree of Milwaukee or Philadelphia, they have youth and hunger that can surprise opponents. If their chemistry holds, Cleveland is a team the Knicks cannot afford to take lightly.
Even the Miami Heat, despite losing Jimmy Butler, remains a threat because of their culture and coaching. Bam Adebayo anchors the defense while still contributing offensively at a high level. Tyler Herro has stepped into a bigger scoring role, supported by versatile wings like Andrew Wiggins and Jaime Jaquez Jr. Under Erik Spoelstra, the Heat always find a way to maximize their roster when it matters most. A team with that much grit cannot be overlooked, no matter the changes.
The Knicks may be the favorites, but that crown brings new pressure. Teams like the Bucks, Sixers, Cavs, and Heat will be lining up to test their resilience. Boston and Indiana may be diminished, but the East is never short on challengers. For New York, this season will be about embracing the role of the hunted rather than the hunters. If they stay locked in, the opportunity to seize the East is theirs to lose.
