As the 2025 NBA postseason unfolded, severe injuries to key players like Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum, and Tyrese Haliburton dramatically altered the Eastern Conference landscape, even before the busy offseason began.
Now that the initial shock has subsided, we can evaluate the Eastern Conference`s current state. The East is keen to challenge the dominant Western Conference, but its pecking order looks considerably different than it did just weeks ago.
Here is a breakdown of the 15 Eastern Conference teams, categorized into six tiers based on their expected performance, from NBA Finals contenders to teams in the early stages of rebuilding.
Tier 1: NBA Finals Contenders (Anything Less is a Disappointment)
Cleveland Cavaliers
After a 64-win season and securing the East`s top seed in 2024-25, the Cavaliers` core remains largely intact. However, All-Star guard Darius Garland will miss significant time rehabbing from toe surgery, and backup Ty Jerome departed for Memphis. Lonzo Ball, acquired for Isaac Okoro, steps in to fill Jerome`s role. Even with Garland sidelined initially and roster tweaks reducing luxury tax, Cleveland, led by Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, alongside contributors like Max Strus, Sam Merrill, and De`Andre Hunter, is a strong favorite to represent the East in the Finals under second-year coach Kenny Atkinson.
New York Knicks
Perhaps no team in the East faces higher pressure. The Knicks reached their first conference finals in a quarter-century, then promptly changed coaches, explicitly stating their sole aim is an NBA championship. The roster boasts improved cohesion and depth with additions like Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele, addressing weaknesses exposed by the Pacers in their conference finals elimination. Indiana, now without the injured Haliburton and departed Myles Turner, is significantly less formidable. The same applies to Boston, missing Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and Luke Kornet. The path to contention was already open for New York, but with Mike Brown now coaching, the team faces genuine `Finals or Bust` expectations.
Tier 2: On the Verge After Significant Additions
Orlando Magic
The Magic were among the first to capitalize on the shifting East landscape following Tatum`s injury, making a bold move by sending Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and four first-round picks to Memphis for star Desmond Bane. This is a major gamble, but the timing is right to make a leap. Last season, Orlando`s dominant defense was hampered by poor perimeter shooting and injuries to Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs. Adding sharpshooter Bane creates a formidable top four and improved spacing. If healthy, the Magic should realistically aim for over 50 wins.
Atlanta Hawks
Arguably no team in the Eastern Conference improved more this offseason. The Hawks 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, seemingly giving up very little draft capital in return – a trend for Atlanta this summer. The Hawks had a remarkably successful offseason. Building on last season`s discovery of pairing Dyson Daniels with Trae Young, they now possess a much-improved defensive identity and one of the East`s deepest rotations. Like Orlando, Atlanta is clearly aiming for contention in what appears to be an open race.
Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers are one of the most difficult teams to project due to a persistent question: Despite possessing the talent and experience for a deep playoff run, can Joel Embiid and the team stay healthy? Last season was disastrous; starting with title hopes after acquiring Paul George, it ended with a 24-win record and 104 combined missed games between Embiid and George. The health question looms large again. Another factor is how the team will integrate significant young talent, such as rookie VJ Edgecombe and second-year player Jared McCain (returning from injury), into a roster aiming for a championship alongside established stars. While depth is a strength (potentially retaining restricted free agent Quentin Grimes), balancing youthful development with immediate winning expectations is unusual.
Tier 3: Dark Horses with Potential, Pedigree, or High Hopes
Boston Celtics
Even before Jayson Tatum`s injury, it was anticipated the Celtics would look different due to salary cap constraints and the second apron. Tatum`s Achilles tear simply accelerated this change. As a result, Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and Luke Kornet have departed, and Al Horford`s return is uncertain. Jaylen Brown and Derrick White provide a solid backcourt core. Anfernee Simons, a guard averaging 20 points, was acquired from Portland for Holiday. However, the team`s depth, especially on the wing and in the frontcourt, has been significantly weakened. This likely places them a couple of tiers below the East`s top contenders, making a serious run unlikely until Tatum is healthy.
Detroit Pistons
Coming off their first playoff appearance in six seasons, the Pistons have a genuine star in Cade Cunningham and a promising future, especially with Jaden Ivey returning from a broken fibula. Competing closely with the veteran Knicks in the playoffs was a highly encouraging sign for this young core. Significant improvement for Detroit will likely need to come from within, through the development of players like Cunningham, Ivey, Ausar Thompson, and Jalen Duren. Offseason additions like Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson appear to be primarily replacements for departed players like Dennis Schroder and Tim Hardaway Jr., suggesting lateral roster changes rather than major upgrades.
Milwaukee Bucks
It would be quite a turn of events if, after three consecutive first-round playoff exits with Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard at point guard, the Bucks managed to break through with Kevin Porter Jr. running the offense. This seems unlikely. Determined to remain competitive around Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks took the drastic step of waiving and stretching Lillard`s contract after his Achilles injury to free up salary cap space. This allowed them to sign center Myles Turner, undoubtedly a valuable player. However, even with Antetokounmpo`s continued dominance and an open Eastern Conference, Milwaukee – which lost Brook Lopez but retained Bobby Portis and other free agents – doesn`t appear optimally positioned for a deep run. Perhaps they can attract a veteran like Chris Paul on a minimum deal.
Tier 4: Mid-Tier Teams
Indiana Pacers
Pacers fans have experienced emotional whiplash recently. The team defied expectations with an NBA Finals run, pushing the 68-win Thunder to Game 7, only for Tyrese Haliburton to suffer a torn Achilles in the deciding game. This devastating injury instantly changed the front office`s approach to salary cap management. For example, Myles Turner, one of their best players and an unrestricted free agent, was allowed to leave to avoid paying the luxury tax for the first time in 20 years. Pacers president Kevin Pritchard confirmed Haliburton will miss the entire upcoming season. This reality, combined with Turner`s departure, effectively removes Indiana from serious contention. While Pascal Siakam is a star, it`s difficult to imagine the Pacers finishing near the top of the East next season without both Haliburton and Turner.
Tier 5: Play-In Tournament Contenders
Miami Heat
Miami`s most significant offseason acquisition was obtaining guard Norman Powell from the LA Clippers following his career-best season. They also retained backup guard Davion Mitchell. Conversely, Duncan Robinson joined the Pistons, and Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson were part of the three-team trade that brought Powell to Miami. It remains uncertain if these changes are sufficient to propel the Heat into the upper half of the Eastern Conference now or in the future, especially with Powell being 32. However, coach Erik Spoelstra`s elite coaching ability means Miami still has the potential to surprise in a conference lacking clear dominant forces.
Chicago Bulls
Chicago hopes to break a streak of three consecutive Play-In appearances and secure a direct playoff spot. It seems likely the core of last season`s team will return. A key offseason decision revolves around restricted free agent Josh Giddey, given the limited cap space available league-wide to offer him a significant contract. Can this largely unchanged group elevate themselves beyond the Play-In tier? Perhaps. They finished last season 17-10 after the All-Star break, and the young roster is motivated to prove its capability.
Toronto Raptors
Among the teams in this tier, the Raptors possess enough talent to potentially climb higher. Their best players are young and missed significant time last season due to injury: Immanuel Quickley (49 games), RJ Barrett (24), and Scottie Barnes (17). Additionally, Brandon Ingram, acquired from New Orleans at the trade deadline, has yet to play for the team. While these factors don`t guarantee perfect roster synergy or sufficient depth from reserves for a playoff run, there`s considerable upside that could allow this team to outperform expectations at some point.
Tier 6: Likely Lottery Teams
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets initiated a relative rebuild by trading centers Mark Williams and Jusuf Nurkic for guard Collin Sexton and three draft picks (including Liam McNeeley). Expectations under new coach Charles Lee won`t be high this season. The primary goals for players like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, and the rest of the roster, will be individual improvement and team consistency. This will help the front office make future decisions after injuries have hindered cohesion for years.
Washington Wizards
The Wizards traded Jordan Poole and Saddiq Bey to New Orleans, acquiring CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk, and Cam Whitmore in return, and also drafted Tre Johnson 6th overall. This rebuilding team, with six rotation players aged 21 or younger, is still projected to finish near the bottom of the East. The realistic goal is to see signs of development from young talents such as Bub Carrington, Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, and Tre Johnson, as they learn from experienced veterans like McCollum, Khris Middleton, Marcus Smart, and Olynyk.
Brooklyn Nets
Any uncertainty regarding the Nets` approach this season was resolved two weeks ago when they made five first-round selections in a single draft – the first time in NBA history. These picks, including three point guards, signaled that true contention is a distant prospect. This is further emphasized by their decision to trade Cam Johnson, their most valuable trade asset, to Denver for Michael Porter Jr.
