Unlike in the Western Conference, where 12 teams are vying for a playoff spot, the Eastern Conference presents a different landscape. Two distinct groups of teams have emerged: those aiming for the lottery and those battling for playoff seeding.
Which Eastern Conference postseason contenders are primed to make the most significant leaps this season?
No. 3: Orlando Magic
Last season, Orlando’s defense was a force, allowing the second-fewest points per possession in the league. Jalen Suggs was an absolute menace, ranking in the 92nd percentile with a 2.6 steal percentage. He provided the type of point-of-attack defense that leads to deep playoff runs.
Paulo Banchero and Franz Wagner also took pride on the less glamorous end, showcasing a commitment to locking down their assignments that’s rare in young players who can score. Jonathan Isaac, often overlooked, led the league in Defensive plus/minus (+4.1), providing elite rim protection with a 7.3 block percentage (98th percentile) and perimeter versatility (2.3 steal percentage).
Offensively, the Magic struggled in the half court, ranking among the league’s worst in turnovers at 14.9%. Possessions often stagnated into forced drives from Banchero and Wagner into the paint. Adding Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a 40.6% three-point shooter on 4.1 attempts per game last season, should create needed space for Banchero and Wagner to operate.
Prediction: The Magic improve by seven games to 54-28
No. 2: Philadelphia 76ers
Last season, injuries ravaged the 76ers, who finished second only to the Grizzlies in missed minutes from key players. Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris were sidelined for 12 games each and Kelly Oubre Jr. missed 14 contests, but the most significant absence was that of superstar Joel Embiid, who played just 39 games.
While on the court, Embiid led the league in Dunks and Threes, Estimated Plus-Minus, a measure of his total impact on the game. Despite injuries throughout his career, Embiid has averaged 67 games played in 2021-22 and 2022-23. If he can maintain that level of availability this season, it should significantly boost the 76ers’ win total.
Bringing in nine-time All-Star Paul George should further strengthen the 76ers. George ranked fifth in the NBA in three-pointers made (243) last season, hitting at a 41.3% clip. He provided a rare mix of volume and efficiency from beyond the arc. PG-13’s shooting will create breathing room for Embiid to operate in the post and open up driving lanes for All-Star Tyrese Maxey.
Prediction: The 76ers improve by eight games to 55-27
No. 1: New York Knicks
It’s no exaggeration to say the Knicks could boast the NBA’s top two wing defenders this season.
OG Anunoby ranked second in the league last season, with opponents shooting a staggering 8.8% lower eFG% when he was on the court. Joining him this season, summer acquisition Mikal Bridges, a 2022 Defensive Player of the Year runner-up who has made a name for himself as one of the premier perimeter defenders in the NBA.
The Knicks will miss center Isaiah Hartenstein (now with OKC) this season, but Mitchell Robinson remains an elite rim protector. His 4.4 block percentage (90th percentile) and combination of length and agility make him a force in the paint, both defensively and on the boards.
On offense, the Knicks should be excellent.
Jalen Brunson, who finished second in postseason scoring, averaging 32.4 PPG, enters the 2024-25 season as a legitimate MVP candidate. With incredible hesitation moves and a deadly mid-range game, Brunson can score at will.
Surrounded by four quality long-distance marksmen — Donte DeVincenzo, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges — Brunson will have ample room to operate. The return of Julius Randle from injury further bolsters the Knicks’ offensive firepower and opens up intriguing small-ball lineup possibilities.
Prediction: The Knicks improve by nine games to 59-23
