With just days left until the
2024-25 NBA season tips off, the Eastern Conference teams are
settled, prepped, and ready for action. The offseason moves are
done, rosters are set, and almost everyone’s locked in for what’s
shaping up to be an intense race. From title contenders to dark
horses, the East is packed with teams ready to make noise. So,
let’s dive into thetop 15 teams in the
Eastas we gear up for
this brand-new season—no fluff, just what you need to
know.

1. New York
   Knicks
   The Knicks made significant moves this
   offseason, adding Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges while
   retaining key pieces like Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby. With depth,
   defense, and firepower, they look primed for a deep playoff run.
   After a 50-win season in 2023-24, they now have realistic
   championship aspirations and could be the biggest threat to the
   Celtics in the East.
2. Boston
   Celtics
   The defending champions kept their core intact,
   extending Jayson Tatum and Derrick White. With Tatum, Jaylen Brown,
   and Jrue Holiday leading a formidable lineup, the Celtics are
   aiming to repeat as NBA champions. Despite concerns about Al
   Horford’s age and frontcourt health, Boston remains the favorite
   heading into the 2024-25 season.
3. Milwaukee
   Bucks
   The Bucks didn’t make major changes but added
   depth with Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright. After
   an injury-plagued season from Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian
   Lillard, Milwaukee looks to bounce back under returning head coach
   Doc Rivers. With questions surrounding Lillard’s form and
   Middleton’s durability, the Bucks remain playoff contenders, but
   how far they go will depend on health and chemistry.
4. Philadelphia
   76ers
   The 76ers had a big offseason, adding Paul
   George, Andre Drummond, and Caleb Martin to support Joel Embiid and
   Tyrese Maxey. Maxey’s rise as a star solidifies Philly’s title
   hopes, and Embiid’s MVP-level play is crucial for their success.
   With an improved supporting cast, the Sixers could be serious
   challengers in the East, but Embiid’s health remains the
   key.
5. Cleveland
   Cavaliers
   After a solid 48-win season, the Cavs focused
   on continuity by keeping their core of Donovan Mitchell, Evan
   Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. New coach Kenny Atkinson brings fresh
   leadership, and Cleveland hopes to build on last season’s playoff
   run. With a healthier roster and improved coaching, the Cavs could
   reach 50 wins and challenge the top teams in the East.
6. Indiana
   Pacers
   The Pacers had a quiet offseason but retained
   Pascal Siakam and made a key addition in James Wiseman. Tyrese
   Haliburton’s breakout season makes Indiana a team to watch, and
   they’re looking to build on their deep playoff run. With improved
   chemistry and young talent, Indiana could surprise as a top-five
   team in the East.
7. Orlando
   Magic
   The Magic are banking on internal growth, led
   by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. After winning 47 games and
   making the playoffs last season, they added veteran Kentavious
   Caldwell-Pope for shooting and leadership. With a young core
   developing, Orlando could win 50 games if they continue their
   upward trend and improve their perimeter shooting.
8. Miami
   Heat
   The Heat had a quiet offseason, adding Alec
   Burks while re-signing key players like Bam Adebayo. With Jimmy
   Butler’s future uncertain and health concerns for both Butler and
   Tyler Herro, Miami could face challenges in a competitive Eastern
   Conference. However, Adebayo’s All-NBA-level play will keep them in
   the playoff hunt.
9. Atlanta
   Hawks
   The Hawks overhauled their roster after a
   disappointing 36-46 season, headlined by trading Dejounte Murray
   and acquiring the No. 1 pick, Zaccharie Risacher. With Trae Young
   remaining the focal point, the Hawks are banking on Risacher’s
   development and contributions from new additions like Larry Nance
   Jr. and Dyson Daniels. This team looks poised to contend for a
   Play-In spot but lacks the co-star power needed for a deep playoff
   run.
10. Charlotte
    Hornets
    The Hornets enter the season with fresh energy,
    thanks to the hiring of new coach Charles Lee and the re-signing of
    Miles Bridges. With LaMelo Ball back healthy and Brandon Miller
    continuing to impress after an All-Rookie season, Charlotte’s young
    core could surprise many. If Ball stays on the floor and their
    youth develops quickly, the Hornets might find themselves
    contending for a Play-In spot and shaking off years of
    underachievement.
11. Detroit
    Pistons
    The Pistons are looking to turn the page on a
    tough 2023-24 season and have made moves to fast-track their
    rebuild. With Cade Cunningham healthy, new leadership under J.B.
    Bickerstaff, and rookie Ron Holland adding spark, Detroit could
    outperform expectations. If Cunningham returns to form and the team
    gels quickly, don’t be surprised if the Pistons emerge as a dark
    horse in the East.
12. Toronto
    Raptors
    The Raptors are in transition, keeping their
    young core of Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley
    intact. After a poor finish to last season, Toronto is betting on
    Barnes’ continued growth and the addition of Davion Mitchell to
    improve their fortunes. While their ceiling might be a Play-In
    appearance, the Raptors are hoping their trio can take a big step
    forward.
13. Chicago
    Bulls
    The Bulls traded DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso,
    adding Josh Giddey and Jalen Smith to the mix. Zach LaVine’s injury
    history remains a concern, but the Bulls are counting on Coby
    White’s emergence and the potential of lottery pick Matas Buzelis.
    Chicago is likely to be a competitive team some nights, but they
    may struggle to rise above the Play-In threshold.
14. Brooklyn
    Nets
    The Nets are entering a rebuild after trading
    Mikal Bridges and Lonnie Walker. With a young roster led by Nic
    Claxton and Cam Thomas, Brooklyn’s focus is on player development.
    Ben Simmons remains a question mark, but the team’s recent moves
    set them up for future success with significant draft assets. A
    playoff berth seems unlikely as they look to position themselves
    for a high draft pick.
15. Washington
    Wizards
    The Wizards continue their rebuild with the
    addition of Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick. With Malcolm Brogdon
    and Saddiq Bey joining the squad, Washington hopes to see growth
    from young talents like Bilal Coulibaly. However, they’re still far
    from playoff contention and will likely be looking at another
    lottery-bound season.