The 2025-2026 NBA season brings a new wave of opportunity and uncertainty in the Eastern Conference. Injuries to major stars have dramatically altered the power structure, while young teams are beginning to rise and established contenders are fighting to hold their ground. As the season tips off, here’s a look at which teams truly have a chance to reach the NBA Finals and which ones don’t.
No Chance Teams
Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards, Chicago Bulls
These teams are still in rebuild or retool mode. Whether it’s lack of star power, incomplete rosters, or unclear direction, none of these five are ready to compete at a playoff level, much less for a Finals berth.
The Pretenders
Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Indiana Pacers
These teams have talent but circumstances, injuries, and inconsistency have taken them out of the true contender conversation.
The Boston Celtics enter the season shorthanded with Jayson Tatum expected to miss most, if not all, of the regular season. There’s an outside chance he could return very late, but it likely won’t be enough to make a difference. Without their superstar, Boston lacks the offensive engine to compete with the East’s elite and could struggle to even stay afloat in the playoff race.
The Indiana Pacers, last year’s Eastern Conference champions, are facing a completely different challenge. Their floor general and franchise cornerstone Tyrese Haliburton is out for the entire season. His absence leaves a massive hole in both their offense and leadership. While Indiana still has a competitive roster, their identity and ceiling are tied directly to Haliburton’s playmaking — and without him, a return trip to the Finals is all but impossible.
Meanwhile, the Hawks, Heat, and 76ers remain stuck in the middle — talented enough to win games but missing that next gear needed to truly contend.
The Contenders
Detroit Pistons (44-38 last season)
The Pistons are one of the league’s best-kept secrets — a young, hungry group finally ready to compete. Cade Cunningham emerged last year as a legitimate star capable of leading a team into the postseason spotlight. The front office bolstered the roster with Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson, adding scoring and shooting depth off the bench. Detroit might still be viewed as an underdog, but make no mistake: this is a team capable of making serious noise in the East.
Milwaukee Bucks (48-34 last season)
Milwaukee’s formula for success remains simple as long as Giannis Antetokounmpo is healthy, the Bucks are dangerous. This offseason, they reshaped their supporting cast, adding Myles Turner to strengthen their frontcourt and Kyle Kuzma, now fully healthy, to provide versatility and scoring. Cole Anthony joins from Orlando as a solid backup or potential starter at point guard. The Bucks might not be as dominant as in years past, but they still have enough around Giannis to compete with anyone.
Orlando Magic (41-41 last season)
The Magic come into the season loaded with young talent and depth. Paolo Banchero is blossoming into a superstar, Franz Wagner continues to develop as a reliable two-way threat, and the addition of Desmond Bane gives Orlando another high-level scorer and defender. With Jamal Mosley at the helm, the Magic could have one of the league’s top defenses again. Health will be the key if they can stay intact, they’re poised for a breakout year that could land them in the East Finals.
The Favorites
New York Knicks (51-31 last season)
After falling just short of the NBA Finals last season, the Knicks return with even more urgency and experience. Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns anchor a roster that’s battle-tested and hungry to finish the job. Their biggest question remains the same — can the role players deliver when it matters most? If New York can get consistent production behind its two stars, the Knicks are well-positioned to finally break through and capture the East.
Cleveland Cavaliers (64-18 last season)
The Cavaliers enter 2025-2026 as perhaps the most complete team in the Eastern Conference. While they haven’t made a Finals appearance in recent years, this could be the season that changes. Donovan Mitchell remains one of the league’s most explosive scorers, and the addition of a fully healthy Lonzo Ball gives Cleveland the steady point guard play they’ve lacked. Evan Mobley continues to grow as a two-way force, Jarrett Allen anchors the paint, and De’Andre Hunter brings athleticism and toughness to the frontcourt. Add reliable shooters like Max Strus and Sam Merrill, and Cleveland looks ready to finally make a deep playoff run.
Closing Thoughts
The Eastern Conference has undergone a major shakeup. With Tatum sidelined for most of the year and Haliburton out entirely, last season’s powerhouses Boston and Indiana seem like teams that are likely going to be outside looking in by the end of May as The NBA Finals approach. That opens the door for a new hierarchy led by the Cavaliers and Knicks, with the Magic, Bucks, and Pistons emerging as hungry challengers. The East may not have the same star power it once did, but it’s filled with opportunity and for teams ready to seize it!