NBA Insiders Aug 24, 2026, 07:00 AM ET The NBA's Eastern Conference is hot right now, with the defending champion [ADDRESS] sitting atop a deep collection of improved teams. Le Bron James is back in the [ADDRESS], signing with the [ADDRESS] 76ers last month after eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers. [PERSON_NAME] could return to the conference too, as his trade to the Toronto Raptors awaits the league's investigation into possible salary cap circumvention by the LA Clippers. The Miami Heat added [PERSON_NAME].

The Detroit Pistons return much of the core that won 60 games last season. The Boston Celtics, [ADDRESS] Pacers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic all feel they deserve a place in the conference's upper tier. While the [ADDRESS] race might prove to be a gauntlet this upcoming season, the Western Conference is still home to the Oklahoma City Thunder, [ADDRESS] and Denver Nuggets -- contenders who boast five of the past six MVPs and reigning Defensive Player of the Year [PERSON_NAME].

How will the races for home-court advantage, the play-in tournament and draft lottery positioning play out? ESPN's NBA insiders are projecting the full [ADDRESS] and West standings for 2025-26. (Note: Summer Forecast continues Tuesday with predictions for 2027 conference and NBA Finals champions.)Jump to: East standings | West standings Big questions on the rookie class East standings projection The contenders1. [ADDRESS] (53-29)2. Detroit Pistons (53-29)3. Cleveland Cavaliers (51-31)4. [ADDRESS] 76ers (50-32)5.

Boston Celtics (48-34)The strength of the conference is its top tier. That begins with the champion Knicks, who return every major contributor with the exception of center [PERSON_NAME]. And each of our forecast's top four teams can make the case that with its pure talent, continuity or a mix of both, it could pace the conference at the end of 82 games.

After securing 60 wins and the [ADDRESS]'s top seed in 2025-26, [ADDRESS] chose to rely mostly on internal improvement. The Pistons' biggest move this offseason has been swapping in [PERSON_NAME] for veteran [PERSON_NAME], who signed with the [ADDRESS]. [ADDRESS] hopes a full season of the [PERSON_NAME] backcourt and its recent acquisition of two-way wing [PERSON_NAME] can buoy the franchise after last season's run to the conference finals. [ADDRESS], after trading for [PERSON_NAME] and signing [PERSON_NAME], enjoyed the greatest infusion of talent the conference has seen since [PERSON_NAME] left [ADDRESS] for his second stint with [ADDRESS] over a decade ago. Health and cohesion will be among [ADDRESS]'s biggest concerns, but the 76ers have by far the biggest upside of any team in the [ADDRESS]. [ADDRESS] is banking on a full season from [PERSON_NAME] -- the star forward played just 16 games last season after returning from an [PERSON_NAME] tear -- and hoping [PERSON_NAME] can stay upright and healthy long enough for coach [PERSON_NAME] to work his regular-season magic once again. -- [PERSON_NAME] The play-in [ADDRESS].

Atlanta Hawks (47-35)7. [ADDRESS] (47-35)8. Toronto Raptors (45-37)9. [ADDRESS] Pacers (44-38)10. Orlando Magic (44-38)The days when the bottom of the [ADDRESS] could be perceived as a cakewalk are gone.

Several teams up and down the standings loaded up on talent during the offseason with aspirations of taking the next step, and all five teams in this group could make a case that they deserve to compete in the higher tier. [ADDRESS] and [ADDRESS] acquired [PERSON_NAME] and [PERSON_NAME], respectively. After pulling off such seismic deals, both teams will begin the season considering themselves top contenders -- pending the health of those stars. The Pacers are also getting a major boost with [PERSON_NAME] returning after missing last season with a torn [PERSON_NAME].

The last time the Pacers were fully healthy, they were on one of the most thrilling playoff runs in recent memory, which brought them one win away from the championship in 2025. And both ...