The NBA preseason is almost here, meaning it is time to look at how all 15 Eastern Conference teams stack up heading into the new season. With offseason additions, roster changes, and returning stars shaping expectations, here is a ranking of every Eastern Conference team from worst to first.
MORE: NBA Western Conference power rankings: All 15 teams ranked worst to first entering preseason
Ranks 15-11
15. Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s time in Milwaukee has come to an end. The Bucks received Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. in return. They also drafted Brayden Burries and Nate Ament in this year’s draft, accelerating their rebuild. This should be a fun team to watch, though they’ll finish at the bottom of the East.
14. Nets
Brooklyn continues focusing on its rebuild with one of the youngest rosters in the league. The Nets added Julius Randle and selected Mikel Brown Jr. sixth overall. Michael Porter Jr. and Randle should lead the way, but this team will struggle in a good Eastern Conference.
13. Hornets
Charlotte is entering a new era after trading LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges. Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel and Coby White now headline the young core, while the Hornets added Naz Reid and Grayson Allen. The team is intriguing, but Charlotte got worse this offseason.
12. Bulls
The Bulls added Norman Powell and Buddy Hield, giving Chicago two proven scorers. Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey remain important pieces of the young core, while also drafting Caleb Wilson fourth overall. Wilson looked to be one of the best rookies in the NBA Summer League.
11. Magic
Orlando has made the playoffs three straight seasons but hasn’t advanced past the first round. Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Desmond Bane headline the roster, while Nikola Vucevic returns. They could end the season fighting for a play-in spot, but that might be their ceiling.
Top 10
10. Wizards
Washington continues its rebuild but could shock the NBA. Trae Young and Anthony Davis join a young core featuring Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, and AJ Dybantsa, the first overall pick. Washington has plenty of talent, but its chemistry remains a question mark.
9. Hawks
Atlanta, led by Jalen Johnson, enters the season with a young roster that has plenty of potential. The Hawks added Aaron Wiggins and Lou Dort while retaining much of their existing core. Between Dort and Dyson Daniels, their perimeter defense should give opposing offenses nightmares.
8. Pacers
The Pacers are hoping for a much different season after struggling without Tyrese Haliburton. Haliburton returns this season, reuniting Indiana with its superstar. Yet, the Pacers aren’t the same team they were two years ago. They lack depth but should be an interesting team to watch.
7. Raptors
Toronto made a massive move by bringing Kawhi Leonard back to the franchise. Leonard joins Scottie Barnes, making them the best defensive tandem in the league. R.J. Barrett and Immanuel Quickley lead their backcourt, elevating them as a fun team to watch.
6. Pistons
Detroit is coming off a 60-win season and the East’s top seed. Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson return, while the Pistons added John Collins, Isaiah Joe, and Taurean Prince. Jalen Duren doesn’t look to be suiting up for Detroit anytime soon, leaving a major question mark at center.
Top 5
5. Heat
Miami landed the biggest prize of the offseason by acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo from Milwaukee. The Heat lost many assets in the trade, leading them to acquire Klay Thompson, Bobby Portis, and Tim Hardaway Jr., adding shooters to a team that was lacking them.
4. Cavaliers
The Cavaliers bring back their core after reaching the Eastern Conference Finals last season. Donovan Mitchell signed a four-year extension, while James Harden also returns. Cleveland drafted Meleek Thomas in the second round and traded for Peyton Watson.
3. Celtics
Boston enters a new era after trading Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia and officially choosing Jayson Tatum as the player to build around as he returns from an Achilles injury. The Celtics added Paul George and Mitchell Robinson, adding a reliable center and an aging veteran.
2. 76ers
Philadelphia completely changed its roster this offseason, adding Jaylen Brown and LeBron James to a core that already includes Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and V.J. Edgecombe. The Sixers have the most talented roster in the NBA. If anything stops them, it will be frontcourt depth.
1. Knicks
The reigning NBA champions return with most of their championship roster intact. New York lost Mitchell Robinson but added Andre Drummond. Jalen Brunson returns from offseason wrist surgery. The Knicks have the talent and experience to 2-peat for the first time since 2018.
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