In the 2025-26 season, the barriers to the Eastern Division of the NBA are relatively clear. The Celtics and Pacers have declined in strength after losing their core players. The Cavaliers, Magic and Knicks have steadily improved, forming the first echelon of championship contenders. Meanwhile, the Pistons and Hawks are expected to be the spoilers.

Championship group: Cavaliers lead, Magic rises, Knicks make up for shortcomings

Although the Cavaliers failed last season, the stability of the team's core structure is still its greatest advantage. In the offseason, the Cavaliers further consolidated their advantages, signing back veteran Larry Nance Jr. to strengthen the inside rotation, and trading for Lonzo Ball to improve backcourt defense and organizational depth, and the balance of offense and defense has been improved to a new level. However, hidden dangers still exist. The combination of Donovan and Garland in the backcourt is easily targeted by opponents due to their height disadvantage. Of course, after the Celtics and Pacers, their strongest competitors, suffered heavy losses, this season will be the best window for the Cavaliers to break their shackles.

The Magic introduced Desmond Bane during the offseason, which directly made up for the team's shortcomings in outside shooting and ball-handling organization. The talents of Benqueiro and Wagner were fully demonstrated last season, and with Suggs returning from injury, the Magic are ready to go. If the Magic can keep all members healthy in the new season, it is not an extravagant hope for the team to rise.

As last season's journey comes to an end, the Knicks will take the "first shot" at Thibodeau. Although this stubborn coach has led the team to consecutive good results, the team's top management has determined that it is difficult for him to lead the team further. The Knicks ultimately chose Mike Brown, the coach who led the Cavaliers to the Finals in 2007, to replace Thibodeau. During the offseason, the Knicks signed Clarkson and Yabusele, which strengthened the team's strength. The early renewal of Bridges' contract also ensured the stability of the core team to the greatest extent.  

Stirring up the situation: Hawks and Pistons

The Hawks' lineup adjustments during the offseason are worthy of attention. Although Porzingis is suffering from injuries, if they can play in the paint healthy, the offensive firepower of Trae Young and Jaylen Johnson will be greatly improved. At the same time, the Hawks signed Luke Kennard and Nick Alexander Walker to further enrich the outside rotation. The Hawks are expected to be a "spoiler" in the Eastern Conference playoffs. ​

Although the Pistons lost Schroeder, Hardaway Jr. and other immediate combat capabilities this summer, the addition of Duncan Robinson and LeVert made up for the shortcomings of the lineup. The progress of Cunningham, the "ball-carrying core", is obvious to all. The Pistons are still young in the new season, but after the experience of last season's playoffs, this young team is expected to usher in greater breakthroughs.

Brothers in distress: Celtics and Pacers

Injuries are the biggest enemies of the Celtics and Pacers, not to mention that the core players of both teams are injured.

Tatum was out for the season due to a ruptured Achilles tendon. The Green Army's top brass, as always, "simply" sent away Holiday, Porzingis, and Horford. It was obvious that they would tear down and rebuild. Judging from the strength of the team alone, with former Finals MVP Jaylen Brown leading the team, assisted by the charge of Derrick White, Pritchard and Hauser, the Green Army can still compete, but in the general direction of team reconstruction, it is uncertain whether the players can go all out in the game.

It is the Pacers who suffer the same fate as the Celtics. When Haliburton tragically left the field with an injury in Game 7 of last season's finals, the Pacers' fate this season seemed to be doomed in advance. Then Myles Turner moved to the Bucks, and the team's lineup was severely damaged. The "dormant" Pacers need to wait patiently for Harry's return.

Weak team: The Bucks and 76ers

waived Lillard and introduced a group of ready-to-play players such as Myles Turner, Harris and Anthony. The Bucks are making a last-ditch effort to keep Antetokounmpo on the team. The team's fate is deeply tied to Antetokounmpo's status. However, once the Greek people's hearts are no longer there, demanding the team's record can only be a fantasy.

Last season, the 76ers were furious. Embiid was plagued by injuries. George, who was obsessed with radio shows, declined in form. Maxey was more than brave. As a result, last season the team wasted talent and ended hastily. In the new season, the 76ers still retain the configuration of the so-called Big Three. Do they want the team to place their hopes on the rookies and lead the team out of the quagmire with the momentum of a newborn calf?

Among other teams, the Raptors have built a trident led by Ingram, Barnes, and Barrett, and the team is looking forward to returning to the playoffs. The same is true for the Bulls, but they need the dual-core explosion of Gidi and Coby White. The Heat do not have a superstar in charge. With Herro, Adebayor and Wiggins, it may still be their fate to linger at the gate of the playoffs. It is no exaggeration to say that the Hornets are a team owned by LaMelo Ball alone. They have talent but nothing more. Leading the team into the playoffs is difficult! Nets? Wizard? It is difficult to avoid the embarrassing situation of "study with the prince".

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