Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images

With the NBA season starting up in a little over a month, it’s time to start looking at the outlook for the year. It was a busy offseason for many teams, and we saw rosters be changed drastically all over the league.

Started with the Western Conference predictions. Now it’s time for the East.

More NBA Content From TWSN

Boston Celtics Will Survive Without Jayson Tatum

Toronto Raptors Are in Major Trouble

Can Luka Doncic, LeBron James Co-Exist on Lakers?

Here is the way-too-early prediction for how the NBA Eastern Conference will shake out in 2025-26:

15. Brooklyn Nets

Brooklyn may be more fun to watch with the addition of Michael Porter Jr. and the likely return of guard Cam Thomas. The offense should be great, but the defense will still be a real issue. This team isn’t really going anywhere, and they will finish last in the conference.

14. Charlotte Hornets

For some reason, it feels like the Hornets can never get out of their own way. The roster has talent on it, but they continue to fall short of any expectations. That trend will continue in 2025-26, leaving Charlotte wondering how they get out of this hole.

13. Chicago Bulls

After making the Play-In last season, the Bulls have been a trendy pick to get back. But this roster isn’t the greatest, and it took a late-season push for them to even make it a year ago. I’m not buying what the Bulls are selling this year.

12. Washington Wizards

Washington has the pieces to be a real sleeper in the East this season, but I have them falling just short. If the Wizards continue down this path, they could get back to the playoffs in short order.

11. Miami Heat

The Heat are in a strange spot. They have All-Stars Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo on the roster, but the rest of the team is lacking. Miami may want to press the reset button following another disappointing season.

Play-In Tournament and Postseason Bracket Prediction

10. Toronto Raptors

Toronto enters the year in a weird spot, but they do have talent along the roster. This season will be crucial for growth; otherwise, the front office may need to reset some things. The Raptors sneak into the playoff picture, even as a Play-In team.

9. Philadelphia 76ers

After all the injuries last season, many people are sleeping on the 76ers. But if this team can stay healthy, things could be very different. There is far too much talent for me to doubt them fully again.

8. Indiana Pacers

Even without star Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers will give teams some problems. This team held its own in Game 7 of the NBA Finals without him, and they could surprise some people again this year.

7. Detroit Pistons

Many expect the Pistons to take another step in terms of contention this season, but Detroit hasn’t had the greatest offseason. The Pistons will still be very good, but they may not be able to fully grow just yet.

6. Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo is good enough to will this team next season, and the addition of Myles Turner should help things. But the big question will be how Milwaukee performs in the playoffs. That is all anyone cares about moving forward.

 5. Boston Celtics

With star Jayson Tatum out for the year, everyone expects Boston to take a step back. But this team still has a lot of talent on it, with Jaylen Brown leading the show. Don’t sleep on the Celtics this year, and they may shock some people.

4. Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta may have put together the best offseason in the NBA, bringing in star Kristaps Porzingis and forward Nickeil Alexander-Walker. It was an aggressive offseason for the Hawks and one that could see this team take a big jump in the standings.

3. New York Knicks

New York added more depth to the roster this summer, giving itself a better chance to win. This team will be looking to get back to the Conference Finals again, but this time, get over the hump.

2. Orlando Magic

Even with an injury-filled 2024-25 season, the Magic still found a way to make the postseason. If this team stays healthy, it could do a lot of damage in the East. I like them to surprise and claim the second seed this season.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland is primed to be the best team in the East once again, and this time, there aren’t too many other loaded squads in their way. It’s make-or-break for the Cavaliers this season with the core in place.