A panel ranked Eastern Conference contenders and champion picks using a point system awarding five points for first-place, three for second and one for third. The Cleveland Cavaliers led the East voting with 98 points, followed by the New York Knicks (72), Orlando Magic (21), Milwaukee Bucks (7) and Indiana Pacers (3). The Cavaliers face significant injuries, with starters Darius Garland and Max Strus recovering from offseason foot surgeries, but remain favorites if healthy. The Knicks have added coach Mike Brown and retain roster flexibility under the second apron, enabling potential in-season upgrades. The Oklahoma City Thunder aim to repeat as champions and face multiple challengers.
This season, the Oklahoma City Thunder will look to become the first back-to-back champions since 2018 and break the streak of seven straight different champions, but there will be plenty of challengers. The Cleveland Cavaliers, after boasting the second-best regular-season record last season, only behind the Thunder, will be battling in an injury-riddled Eastern Conference. However, the New York Knicks, after hiring Mike Brown as their new coach this offseason, also have plenty of postseason experience to push even further.
One thing that must be considered in the current era is that the Knicks -- unlike the Cavs -- are currently under the second apron, which gives them significantly more flexibility to add to or adjust their roster during the season. The Knicks are somewhat settled with this current roster, but are in a position to go after a big name if one becomes available before the February deadline. That could be a factor down the line.
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