The 2025 NBA postseason was marked by brutal injuries to key stars like Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum, and Tyrese Haliburton, significantly altering the Eastern Conference landscape even before the transaction-heavy offseason began. Now, as the dust settles, we assess the state of the East, a conference eager to dethrone the dominant West despite a hierarchy that has dramatically shifted in just a few weeks.

Tier 1: Anything Short of the Finals is a Failure

Cleveland Cavaliers Following a 64-win season, the Cavaliers, the top seed in 2024-25, will look much the same at the top of their rotation. However, All-Star guard Darius Garland will miss significant time due to toe surgery, and backup guard Ty Jerome has signed with Memphis. Lonzo Ball, acquired in exchange for Isaac Okoro, will help fill the void. Despite these changes, with stars like Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, Cleveland remains a favorite to emerge from the East.

New York Knicks No East club faces higher expectations than the Knicks, who reached their first conference finals in a quarter century before firing their coach. With added depth from reserves Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele, and with Indiana and Boston weakened by injuries and departures, the Knicks are under true "Finals or bust" expectations.

Tier 2: Teams on the Cusp After Reloading

Orlando Magic The Magic made a bold move by acquiring Desmond Bane, adding sharpshooting to their dominant defense. With a healthy core of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs, Orlando is poised for a strong season.

Atlanta Hawks The Hawks significantly upgraded their defense with Kristaps Porzingis and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and added sharpshooter Luke Kennard. With a well-rounded rotation, Atlanta is a serious contender in the wide-open East.

Philadelphia 76ers The 76ers have the talent to make a run, but health remains a concern. With Joel Embiid leading the charge and young talent like VJ Edgecombe and Jared McCain, Philly has the depth to compete if they stay healthy.

Tier 3: Longshots with Pedigree, Upside, or Desperation Dressed as Hope

Boston Celtics With Tatum injured and key players like Porzingis and Holiday gone, the Celtics face a challenging season. However, with Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, Boston can still compete, though they are not among the East's favorites.

Detroit Pistons The Pistons, led by Cade Cunningham, have a bright future. With Jaden Ivey returning from injury, Detroit aims to build on their first playoff appearance in six seasons.

Milwaukee Bucks The Bucks, with Giannis Antetokounmpo, are always a threat. However, after waiving Lillard and adding Myles Turner, Milwaukee's postseason success remains uncertain.

Tier 4: Caught in the Middle

Indiana Pacers With Haliburton out for the season and Turner gone, the Pacers are unlikely to contend. However, with Pascal Siakam, Indiana remains a team to watch.

Tier 5: Play-in Possibilities

Miami Heat The Heat added Norman Powell and retained Davion Mitchell, but their ability to compete in the top half of the East is questionable.

Chicago Bulls The Bulls aim to avoid the play-in tournament with a similar roster. The decision on Josh Giddey's contract will be crucial.

Toronto Raptors With young talent like Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett, the Raptors have the potential to rise in the East.

Tier 6: Lottery Bound

Charlotte Hornets The Hornets are in rebuild mode, focusing on improvement and consistency with young players like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.

Washington Wizards The Wizards, with a young core, are in the early stages of rebuilding, aiming for improvement from their young players.

Brooklyn Nets The Nets, with five first-round picks, are focused on the future, with contention still a ways off.