Predicting how the top of the NBA’s Eastern Conference will play out in 2025-26

The Eastern Conference is undergoing significant changes due to major injuries to key players like Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum, and Tyrese Haliburton, which have disrupted the dominance of traditional powerhouses such as the Bucks, Celtics, and Pacers. This opens the door for new teams to emerge, with the Cavaliers, Magic, Knicks, Hawks, and Pistons expected to be among the top contenders, potentially leading to an unfamiliar conference finals matchup.

Projections indicate that the Cavaliers, despite their strong regular-season performance, face pressure to prove themselves in the playoffs after repeated disappointments. The Eastern Conference playoffs are likely to feature six solid teams, with the Heat as a probable seventh seed, while teams like the Raptors, Celtics, Pacers, 76ers, and Bulls struggle due to injuries, roster issues, or lack of direction.

The Toronto Raptors, in particular, are highlighted for their lack of depth, cohesion, and shooting concerns. Their starting lineup, including Brandon Ingram, Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, and Jakob Poeltl, is talented but faces challenges in fit and spacing, especially with ball-dominant forwards and a non-shooting center. Barrett's role and contract make him a potential trade asset to improve the roster, though the team's limited flexibility and reliance on recent draft picks for bench support could hinder their performance.