Hollinger’s 2025-26 Predictions: Eastern Conference Analysis
Introduction
The Eastern Conference is poised for significant changes this season, particularly due to injuries sidelining key players like Milwaukee’s Damian Lillard, Boston’s Jayson Tatum, and Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton. Traditionally, at least one of the Bucks, Celtics, or Pacers has appeared in the conference finals since 2016, but their chances are slim this year.
A New Order
Prepare for a fresh narrative in the East, perhaps with a new champion emerging. Among my top five projected teams, only two have reached the conference finals in the past five years (Atlanta and New York). If we remove the Cleveland Cavaliers from consideration, these teams have collectively only made a meager three conference finals appearances since 2010.
Key Contenders
It’s likely that two of the following teams—Cavs, Magic, Knicks, Hawks, Pistons—will make it to the conference finals. Cleveland had an impressive 64-win season last year and is expected to replicate that success, but they still need to overcome playoff disappointments. Their ability to progress in the postseason will be a central storyline.
7. (tie) Toronto Raptors (39-43)
The Raptors might make the playoffs due to the Eastern Conference’s structure, even if their roster lacks clarity. With the likely underperformance of other teams, Toronto’s core, featuring talent like Brandon Ingram, Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, and Jakob Poeltl, needs to find better synergy to be competitive.
7. (tie) Miami Heat (39-43)
After a humbling first-round exit last season, the Heat are in a challenging period. Their roster constraints, especially following the Jimmy Butler trade, limit their potential. While they do have promising young talent, their lack of elite players will likely restrict them to a low playoff seed, facing tougher opponents early on.
6. Milwaukee Bucks (44-38)
The Bucks’ fortunes hinge on Giannis Antetokounmpo, who remains a top player despite a lack of supporting talent. With the departure of key veterans and limited flexibility due to salary cap issues, Milwaukee’s playoff aspirations likely depend heavily on Giannis’s performance, especially in light of recent changes to their roster.
5. Detroit Pistons (45-37)
The Pistons are aiming to advance past the first round of the playoffs for the first time since 2008. With young stars like Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, and Ausar Thompson, they are building a strong core. However, they might need another star to truly elevate their game and could be active in trades to enhance their lineup.
3. (tie) Atlanta Hawks (49-33)
After a productive offseason, the Hawks have positioned themselves as a competitive team in the East. The addition of Kristaps Porziņģis will address previous lineup gaps while maintaining offensive viability. However, key decisions about their core players loom as they navigate future contracts.
3. (tie) New York Knicks (49-33)
After a surprising playoff run, the Knicks have made key changes, including a coaching shift. With stars like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, they have good players but face financial constraints limiting roster flexibility. Their success will hinge on harnessing their offensive capabilities while addressing defensive shortcomings.
2. Orlando Magic (52-30)
Despite injury issues last season, the Magic have high expectations for this year. The addition of Desmond Bane and a healthy roster may enable them to overcome previous shooting inefficiencies. However, they must also maintain their solid defensive play to stand out in a competitive conference.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (59-23)
The Cavaliers have established themselves as a dominant force in the East with an expensive but talented roster. After consistent regular-season success, their postseason performance remains a concern. Yet, they are positioned to make a deep playoff run, and the spotlight is on whether they can finally transition their regular-season strength into postseason success.
