As the 2025 NBA postseason unfolded, brutal events occurred—Achilles injuries to stars Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum, and Tyrese Haliburton—reshaping the Eastern Conference landscape even before the active transaction period of the offseason began.
Now that the immediate aftershocks appear to have subsided, we can finally assess the state of the East—a conference eager to dethrone the formidable Western contenders, despite a hierarchy that looks drastically different compared to just a few weeks ago.
With that in mind, here are the 15 teams, categorized into six tiers, ranging from those expected to seriously contend for the NBA Finals to those whose rebuilding efforts are still in the initial stages.
Tier 1: Finals or Bust Expectation
Cleveland Cavaliers
Following a 64-win season, the conference`s top seed in 2024-25 is expected to feature a largely similar core rotation moving forward… mostly. All-Star guard Darius Garland will miss significant time early in the season while recovering from toe surgery, and backup guard Ty Jerome signed with Memphis this offseason. However, Lonzo Ball, acquired in exchange for wing defender Isaac Okoro, will help fill Jerome`s role.
Even with Garland out for a considerable period and minor roster adjustments aimed at reducing the team`s substantial luxury tax bill, Cleveland—boasting stars Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen alongside role players Max Strus, Sam Merrill, and De`Andre Hunter—remains among the favorites to emerge from the East in the franchise`s second year under coach Kenny Atkinson.
New York Knicks
Arguably no East team faces higher expectations than New York. They reached their first conference finals in a quarter-century before promptly dismissing their coach, stating their sole objective is to win an NBA championship. The roster now possesses greater cohesion and depth, thanks to the additions of reserves Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele, addressing weaknesses exposed by the Pacers during their conference finals elimination of the Knicks.
Crucially, Indiana, now without Haliburton for the season and Myles Turner (who signed with Milwaukee), is expected to pose a significantly reduced threat. The same can be said for the Celtics, who will be without Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis (traded), Jrue Holiday (traded), and Luke Kornet (signed with Spurs). While the path to contention was already open for New York, under new coach Mike Brown, the Knicks now face genuine `Finals or Bust` pressure.
Tier 2: On the Cusp After Significant Moves
Orlando Magic
If any team seized the opportunity presented by the Tatum injury—an event that seemed to ensure the next season would be wide open in the East—it was the Magic. They acquired star Desmond Bane from the Grizzlies by trading Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and a considerable four first-round picks. This is undoubtedly a major gamble, but the timing to make a leap seems ideal.
Orlando, known for its dominant defense but lacking perimeter shooting, looked dangerous last season when its top three players—Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs—weren`t hampered by injuries. Adding the sharp-shooting Bane gives the team a clear top four and forces opponents to spread the floor more defensively. If they remain healthy, there`s little reason the Magic shouldn`t achieve at least 50 wins next season.
Atlanta Hawks
Similarly, arguably no Eastern Conference team improved more this offseason than the Hawks. They significantly bolstered their defense by acquiring Kristaps Porzingis and versatile wing Nickeil Alexander-Walker, while also adding sharpshooter Luke Kennard. They also secured the Pelicans` unprotected first-round pick next season while only trading back 10 draft spots—a common theme this summer, given how little the Hawks seemed to give up for these upgrades.
Atlanta had a summer akin to a heist. After successfully pairing pesky wing Dyson Daniels with Trae Young last season, they now boast not only a significantly improved defensive scheme but also one of the deepest rotations in the East. Just like Orlando, the Hawks are aggressively pursuing contention in what promises to be a wide-open race in the East.
Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers are one of the most difficult teams to definitively place for a clear reason: they possess the talent and collective experience necessary for a deep playoff run, but the persistent question lingers regarding whether Joel Embiid and company can remain healthy long enough to make a serious push.
Following last season`s setback—which started with championship aspirations after acquiring Paul George but resulted in 104 combined missed games between him and Embiid during a 24-win campaign—the health question will again be paramount.
Another point of intrigue: Philly certainly has depth (they might even retain restricted free agent Quentin Grimes, who finished last season impressively), but how will they manage incorporating such young talent in key spots while pursuing the ultimate goal? It`s unusual to see a No. 3 overall pick like rookie VJ Edgecombe playing alongside a trio of stars. Jared McCain, who was one of the best rookies last season before tearing his left meniscus in December and missing the rest of the year, is also expected to be a significant contributor at just 21 years old.
Tier 3: Longshots with Potential or Desperation
Boston Celtics
Even before Tatum`s injury, it was generally understood that the Celtics would undergo significant changes heading into the 2025-26 season due to cap constraints imposed by the second apron. Tatum`s Achilles tear simply accelerated this inevitable reality. As a result, Porzingis, Holiday, and Kornet are gone, and the return of free agent center Al Horford is uncertain.
With Jaylen Brown and Derrick White leading the backcourt, the Celtics have the foundation to remain competitive. Boston also acquired guard Anfernee Simons, who has averaged 20 points over the past four seasons, from Portland in exchange for Holiday. However, the team`s depth, particularly on the wing and in the frontcourt, has suffered a major blow that seemingly places them two tiers below the East`s top contenders, likely limiting their ability to make a deep run until Tatum returns healthy.
Detroit Pistons
The Pistons, fresh off their first playoff appearance in six seasons, possess a bona fide star in Cade Cunningham and appear to have a promising future, especially with fellow guard Jaden Ivey returning to the lineup after a broken fibula ended his 2024-25 season. The Pistons competed closely with the veteran Knicks in their first playoff experience with this young core—a highly encouraging sign.
To some extent, it seems much of the Pistons` improvement will need to come from internal development from players like Cunningham, Ivey, Ausar Thompson, and Jalen Duren. The offseason additions—Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson—feel like lateral moves meant to replace Dennis Schroder, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Malik Beasley. (Beasley, who finished second in the NBA in made 3-pointers last season with 319, is currently under federal investigation for potential gambling violations related to NBA games.)
Milwaukee Bucks
Wouldn`t it be remarkable if, after three consecutive first-round playoff exits with Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard at point guard, the Bucks managed to break through in the postseason with Kevin Porter Jr. serving as the floor general?
This scenario sounds improbable because it`s genuinely difficult to envision. The Bucks—committed to being as competitive as possible with Giannis Antetokounmpo—took the drastic, unprecedented step of waiving and stretching Lillard`s large contract after he ruptured his Achilles in the playoffs. This move freed up cap space to sign center Myles Turner, who is undoubtedly a good player. But even with Antetokounmpo`s dominance and the East seemingly wide open, it doesn`t necessarily feel like Milwaukee—which lost Brook Lopez but retained Bobby Portis and several other free agents—is optimally positioned to capitalize. Though perhaps the Bucks could convince someone like free agent Chris Paul to sign for a low price.
Tier 4: Teams in the Middle
Indiana Pacers
Few fanbases have experienced the emotional swings Pacers fans have endured in recent weeks. They watched their team defy expectations to reach the NBA Finals and push the 68-win Oklahoma City Thunder to a Game 7, only for Tyrese Haliburton to tear his Achilles in that decisive contest.
This franchise-altering injury instantly shifted the front office`s perspective on their salary cap strategy. A prime example: Myles Turner, one of the team`s best players and an unrestricted free agent, was allowed to leave so the team could avoid paying the luxury tax for the first time in 20 years.
Pacers president Kevin Pritchard stated Monday that Haliburton will miss the entire upcoming season—a reality that, combined with Turner`s departure, effectively rules out Indiana from any serious contention. The Pacers should be back among the East`s elite once their star returns, but with all due respect to Pascal Siakam, it`s hard to imagine them being there next season without Haliburton or Turner.
Tier 5: Play-In Contenders
Miami Heat
The Heat made their most significant offseason acquisition earlier this week, acquiring guard Norman Powell from the LA Clippers after he had the best season of his career. Aside from that, Miami also re-signed backup guard Davion Mitchell. Meanwhile, free agent Duncan Robinson left for the Pistons, and Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson were traded to the Jazz as part of the three-team deal for Powell. It remains unclear if these moves will be sufficient to elevate the team into the top half of the East, either now or in the future. Powell is 32 years old. However, coach Erik Spoelstra remains elite, which leaves open the possibility that Miami could perform better than expected in a conference with few undisputed contenders.
Chicago Bulls
Chicago hopes to avoid a fourth consecutive play-in tournament appearance by reaching the playoffs directly, but it seems likely that most of last season`s roster will return for 2025-26. The biggest decision remaining for the Bulls this summer concerns restricted free agent Josh Giddey and the type of contract they are willing to offer, given that almost no team has the cap space to match the salary he likely seeks. Can Chicago evolve beyond being a bottom-bracket team in the East with virtually the same group? Perhaps. The Bulls finished last season 17-10 after the All-Star break, and players on the young roster are eager to demonstrate their full potential.
Toronto Raptors
Among the teams in this tier, the Raptors possess enough talent to potentially climb one or two tiers higher. Their key young players are still developing and all missed a significant amount of time last season: Immanuel Quickley sat out 49 games, RJ Barrett 24, and Scottie Barnes 17. Perhaps more notably, 27-year-old Brandon Ingram, acquired from New Orleans at the trade deadline, has yet to play for the Raptors. None of this guarantees perfect roster synergy, nor does it assure that the team`s young reserves are sufficient for a playoff run. However, there is ample upside that could allow this team to eventually exceed the sum of its parts.
Tier 6: Lottery Bound
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets traded centers Mark Williams and Jusuf Nurkic for guard Collin Sexton and a total of three draft picks (one of which became Liam McNeeley at No. 29 in last month`s draft). These assets should assist Charlotte`s ongoing relative rebuild. Expectations for Charles Lee`s squad this season will be low. The primary goals, for LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller down to the end of the roster, will be focused on individual and collective improvement and consistency—factors that will help the front office chart the course forward after years of injuries have hampered cohesion.
Washington Wizards
The Wizards traded Jordan Poole and Saddiq Bey to New Orleans in exchange for CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk, and Cam Whitmore, while also drafting Tre Johnson at No. 6. However, this rebuilding team—featuring six rotation players aged 21 or younger—is still projected to finish near the bottom of the East. The realistic hope should be for signs of progress from young players like Bub Carrington, Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, and Johnson as they learn from veterans McCollum, Khris Middleton, Marcus Smart, and Olynyk.
Brooklyn Nets
If there was any doubt about the Nets` approach for this season, it was erased two weeks ago when they became the first team in NBA history to make five first-round selections in a single draft. Those picks—three of which were point guards—clearly indicated that true contention is still a considerable distance away. This is even more apparent now, with the team opting to trade forward Cam Johnson, arguably their best trade asset, to Denver for Michael Porter Jr.
