Last season, every team in the league chased Boston — and no one came close to catching them. The Celtics swept the field winning 64 games and the East by 14 games, then dropped just three games during their entire playoff run en route to winning banner #18.
This season, everyone is chasing Boston again, but this time the race will be much closer at the top. Basically, the East could get ugly.
Let’s break down how the East will shake out this season in tiers, based on their title contender.
Who is the favorite to win the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals?
Here are the top five team odds to win the East, via our partners at Bet MGM (with each team’s title odds next to it).
1. Celts +170 (+325)
2. Knicks +350 (+650)
3. 76ers +500 (+1000)
4. Dollar +650 (+1400)
5. Knights +1700 (+3500)
Eastern Conference Levels
TITLE CONDUCTORS
1. New York Knicks
2. Boston Celtics
3. Philadelphia 76ers
Boston should probably be in its own tier because it’s the only team that answered all the questions, and there’s a very good chance they’ll end up with the #1 seed – but I’m picking the Knicks to get that spot. The Celtics will be without Kristaps Porzingis until around Christmas and while they have the depth to overcome that leaning on Al Horford, I think it knocks them over half a step. At the same time, I expect New York to get off to a fast start with Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges added to the lineup, and if we know one thing about Tom Thibodeau’s team it’s that he’s going to push them hard to win every one. regular season game.
I’m picking the Celtics to get out of the East and back to the Finals, I have healthy and deep questions with the Knicks, but I think all of that matters more in the playoffs than the regular season. I’ll take the Knicks as the top seed, with Boston a close second (it’s no shock if they finish first) and Philly third because injuries to Joel Embiid and Paul George have already slowed them down in the preseason.
FRINGE CHALLENGERS (WE HAVE QUESTIONS)
4. Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee can finish in the top three and maybe even win the East, but I have more questions and doubts about them than the other three. I have no questions about Giannis Antetokounmpo other than if he can get a little lucky this season and be healthy for the playoffs. But will Damian Lillard show his age, how will Khris Middleton play after having both ankles operated on this offseason, how will Brook Lopez play at age 36, and is there enough depth? Milwaukee, clicking, is a threat, and I love the Gary Trent Jr. pickup, but there are too many questions for me to say they are a top-tier contender.
PLAYOFFS OR BUST
5. Orlando Magic
6. Cleveland Cavaliers
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7. Indiana Peacekeepers
8. Miami Heat
I believe that one of New York, Philadelphia or Milwaukee will suffer enough injuries and have enough problems this season that they will fall to the #7 seed like the 76ers did a season ago.
One of Orlando, Cleveland or Indiana will jump up to pass them and enter the top four, setting up a round of the playoffs. Who makes that jump depends on who can answer the questions facing them: Can Orlando take a step forward with Paolo Banchero as the main player without a more traditional point guard to organize the offense? Can Evan Mobley make the leap forward on the offensive end that the Cavaliers need? With Pascal Siakam out for a full season, can Indiana be good enough defensively to complement a high-flying offense?
One of that trio will make a jump. Miami is good, but I think a step back from the other teams at this level, but count the Heat out at your own risk.
HOPEFUL GAME TEAMS
9. Toronto Raptors
10. Atlanta Hawks
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11. Chicago Bulls
I’m higher on Toronto than most and almost had them at a higher level, but betting on them is betting that Scottie Barnes will make another leap and mesh perfectly with players like RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. Maybe no player is under the pressure that Trae Young is this season, Dejounte Murray is gone, and it’s all his show again, but will the Hawks be willing to give him a max extension after this season or trade him?
Chicago has sought trades for Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic — and they will continue to do so — but if this team gets off to a decent start with Josh Giddey running a fast-paced offense, will ownership want to continue to rebuild or change. things, keep the vets and chase play-in-place.
LOTTERY LINKED
12. Detroit Pistons
13. Charlotte Hornets
14. Brooklyn Nets
15. Washington Wizards
Detroit and Charlotte, if everything goes their way, could get out of this tier and be in the game. In Detroit, a breakout season from Cade Cunningham and development of young players under a new coach who wants to be there would do it. In Charlotte, LaMelo Ball being healthy for a full season and a step forward from Brandon Miller, with Miles Bridges in the mix, could be enough to make the game. If things get off to a slow start for those teams, a pivot to tank could come early.
Brooklyn and Washington are chasing (Cooper) Flagg from the open top this season and will be sellers at the trade deadline.
EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF PERFORMANCES
First Round
Knicks over Heat
Celtics over Pacers
76ers over Cavaliers
Magic over Bucks
Semifinals
Knicks over Magic
Celtics over 76ers
Eastern Conference Finals
Celtics over Knicks
(My NBA Finals prediction is coming tomorrow, along with the Western Conference standings).
