Official East Predictions Thread, Let's Go Baby!

[CP War Hawks]

Magic still don't have a table setter for their offense. Once things get stale the offense will de-evolve to iso ball.

[SA37]

I like your tiers and general order.
I think Indy is higher and Philly is lower.

Yeah, I took a bit of a risk putting Indy so low -- and putting Boston at 10 -- but Indiana has lost both Turner and Haliburton and have only added Jay Huff (solid player) to my knowledge. Boston's frontcourt is atrocious, so maybe I screwed up putting them at 10.

Not sure on Embiid's status, but if he is going to be out for significant time, then agree Philly would need to be lower.

I think PG and Embiid are out to start the season but i am not positive on that.

I checked ESPN and it says P George had arthroscopic surgery and will be re-evaluated in September before training camp and Daryl Morey said Embiid is on track to be ready for training camp.

Still, I have a feeling both will have minutes restrictions for the 1st 20-40 games and will likely sit out back-to-backs, especially George. My guess would be the franchise's goal is to have both play ~65-67 games in order for them to be award eligible. Under that assumption it is hard to see how the 76ers would finish 4th as I predicted.

[165bows]

I'm not lol i think they're bounced early, once again. You gotta ask the people in this thread that think the Magic are Finals bound, why they feel that way.

The whole east is injured and outside of Cleveland it's a total crap shoot maybe? God this isn't that complicated the east is down like a whole all star team.

Sure, in that case Wizards to the Finals because Middleton and McCollum are like that.

Just because the Celtics sold off half their core and the Pacers lost 40% of their starters, doesn't mean the Magic are Finals bound lol we still gotta use logic and say wait, maybe we should see if these guys can win a single series before we gas them up.

Actually no I can just get in here and make whatever prediction I feel like lol

[cgf]

Detroit's D improved a lot as Ausar Thompson got integrated into the rotation last season.

Ausar missed the first 20 games, and had limited minutes for the next 15 or so, but once he became a regular in the rotation we looked a lot different on D, and as the playoffs approached Ausar looked like he had caught up to his twin Amen on the defensive side on the ball. Ron Holland also made some really nice progress from below average D (typical rookie!) to a significant positive on that end as well.

Plop either Thompson twin into any team's rotation and their D will take a leap (duh!)

Detroit has some questions/issues (what we look like without Cade; the front court; Ivey's development) but I am not worried at all about being a very solid defensive squad.

Yeah, you and Orlando's defenses are no f***ing joke. Outside of western conference bias, I don't see why anyone would put the Rockets in a different category than you two...and unlike Houston, both of you actually have a young #1 to drive your offenses.

I mostly agree with questioning if Houston is a tier above Orlando, although even as a biased Detroit fan I'd put Houston above Detroit

Houston has a lot of depth and quality on the front line and wings, so I get why they receive the media love. However, if I'm a Houston fan, I'm not that confident about the Rockets' back court:
-- FVV is a really good player on both ends -- but he does have some flaws, especially rim/paint pressure
-- Amen Thompson is a really good player on both ends -- but he's more natural as a wing even though he's good enough to get away with playing a bit out of position
-- Reed has potential -- but we really haven't seen him produce yet
-- after those 3 . . . a decent backup in Aaron Holiday and ????

Houston is so deep and talented up front that they can probably afford a couple of injuries and still be really good, but after trading for KD their lack of back court depth could be the fatal weakness that comes back to bite them

That backcourt question is why I feel like you & Orlando have higher ceilings than they do, even if they have an easier path to 50+ wins…and what I was getting at with the young #1s comment. KD absolutely leveled up their shot making, but their shot creation still feels like a major weakness.

[JujitsuFlip]

The whole east is injured and outside of Cleveland it's a total crap shoot maybe? God this isn't that complicated the east is down like a whole all star team.

Sure, in that case Wizards to the Finals because Middleton and McCollum are like that.

Just because the Celtics sold off half their core and the Pacers lost 40% of their starters, doesn't mean the Magic are Finals bound lol we still gotta use logic and say wait, maybe we should see if these guys can win a single series before we gas them up.

Actually no I can just get in here and make whatever prediction I feel like lol

Cool stuff man.

You should actually probably go to a sports book and throw $1,000 on it, if it is that sure of a thing lmao

[basketballRob]

Magic still don't have a table setter for their offense. Once things get stale the offense will de-evolve to iso ball.

Bane is an upgrade from KCP as a ballhandler/playmaker. Tyus will be coming off the bench.

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[JT3000]

I'm not lol i think they're bounced early, once again. You gotta ask the people in this thread that think the Magic are Finals bound, why they feel that way.

The whole east is injured and outside of Cleveland it's a total crap shoot maybe? God this isn't that complicated the east is down like a whole all star team.

Sure, in that case Wizards to the Finals because Middleton and McCollum are like that.

Just because the Celtics sold off half their core and the Pacers lost 40% of their starters, doesn't mean the Magic are Finals bound lol we still gotta use logic and say wait, maybe we should see if these guys can win a single series before we gas them up.

Why do Magic haters keep comparing them to the Wizards? Y'all that desperate? I mean I'd be sweating too, knowing they nearly beat my vaunted team in a playoff series already, with an inferior, less experienced squad. We know that's what this really comes down to. You don't think they'll underperform, you're just really, really hoping they do.

[oldncreaky]

Magic still don't have a table setter for their offense. Once things get stale the offense will de-evolve to iso ball.

Bane is an upgrade from KCP as a ballhandler/playmaker. Tyus will be coming off the bench.

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I agree that Bane is an upgrade on KCP, as well as that Tyus Jones is a nice bench PG and an upgrade on Anthony. But I think that kind of reinforces the point/concern: ORL has a decent number of secondary/tertiary creators: Paolo, Franz, Suggs, Bane, Jones, maybe Black, maybe a pleasant surprise from training camp.

However, I wouldn't put any of those guys as a top 15 ball-handler/play-maker in the NBA. I'm not really concerned that this will be too important for ORL in the regular season. OTOH, when you get to the playoffs, it often boils down to which team can continue to generate good looks against a good D that has you scouted in depth -- and that's when you need a top flight creator.

[Pointgod]

Here goes nothing:

1. Cavs
2. NY
3. Orlando
4. Philadelphia
5. Milwaukee
6. Atlanta
------------------
7. Miami
8. Detroit
9. Toronto
10. Boston
-------------------
11. Chicago
12. Indiana
13. Charlotte
14. Washington
15. Brooklyn

I like your tiers and general order.
I think Indy is higher and Philly is lower.

There’s no way in hell Philly is a top 4 team

[JujitsuFlip]

The whole east is injured and outside of Cleveland it's a total crap shoot maybe? God this isn't that complicated the east is down like a whole all star team.

Sure, in that case Wizards to the Finals because Middleton and McCollum are like that.

Just because the Celtics sold off half their core and the Pacers lost 40% of their starters, doesn't mean the Magic are Finals bound lol we still gotta use logic and say wait, maybe we should see if these guys can win a single series before we gas them up.

Why do Magic haters keep comparing them to the Wizards? Y'all that desperate? I mean I'd be sweating too, knowing they nearly beat my vaunted team in a playoff series already, with an inferior, less experienced squad. We know that's what this really comes down to. You don't think they'll underpform, you're just really, really hoping they do.

I am not worried about any team coached by Jamal Mosley, i can guarantee you that.

Worst 3 point shooting team in the NBA in the regular season and playoffs in 2024-25. Coupled with the slowest pace in the NBA in the regular season and playoffs in 2024-25.

That just screams Finals bound.

[Rainman66]

Now, those of us on here do sometimes get frustrated by some of the arguments about our team because we know you guys are not watching the games and get the analysis wrong.

As for the topic at hand. I don’t actually know what is going on in the East. I don’t know what the 76ers, Raptors, Hornets, or Nets are trying to do.

The only analysis being made about the Magic is that theyve won 4 playoff games since the turn of the decade. While they may have a very good season ahead, they havn't done anything up until now so the "showboating" is unneccesary for a team that has huge off eff issues.
I likewise am not sure what the Magic or Wizards are trying to do, Best of luck.

[165bows]

Sure, in that case Wizards to the Finals because Middleton and McCollum are like that.

Just because the Celtics sold off half their core and the Pacers lost 40% of their starters, doesn't mean the Magic are Finals bound lol we still gotta use logic and say wait, maybe we should see if these guys can win a single series before we gas them up.

Actually no I can just get in here and make whatever prediction I feel like lol

Cool stuff man.

You should actually probably go to a sports book and throw $1,000 on it, if it is that sure of a thing lmao

Not sure what your (continued) interest is in telling me what I can/should do.

[JujitsuFlip]

Actually no I can just get in here and make whatever prediction I feel like lol

Cool stuff man.

You should actually probably go to a sports book and throw $1,000 on it, if it is that sure of a thing lmao

Not sure what your (continued) interest is in telling me what I can/should do.

I thought if you're that sure in the Magic being the best team in the NBA, it'd be easy money. I guess you're not that confident in your opinion or maybe it's just an illogical take.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[3ddman23]

Sure, in that case Wizards to the Finals because Middleton and McCollum are like that.

Just because the Celtics sold off half their core and the Pacers lost 40% of their starters, doesn't mean the Magic are Finals bound lol we still gotta use logic and say wait, maybe we should see if these guys can win a single series before we gas them up.

Why do Magic haters keep comparing them to the Wizards? Y'all that desperate? I mean I'd be sweating too, knowing they nearly beat my vaunted team in a playoff series already, with an inferior, less experienced squad. We know that's what this really comes down to. You don't think they'll underpform, you're just really, really hoping they do.

I am not worried about any team coached by Jamal Mosley, i can guarantee you that.

Worst 3 point shooting team in the NBA in the regular season and playoffs in 2024-25. Coupled with the slowest pace in the NBA in the regular season and playoffs in 2024-25.

That just screams Finals bound.

Ane yet somehow the cavs were a half away getting knocked out by a team that couldn't make a 3 to save its life, a team that was led by a 21 & 22, year old. A team that had no real quality veteran leadership.

This team got significantly better this off season then the team that nearly knocked the cavs out two playoffs ago. Can't say the same for the cavs (unless you believe Hunter is the x factor for a championship)

It isn't the same team. Coach's can change and make adjustments with new personal, they added two key bench coach's as well (one being an offensive minded lead assistant). Let's see what happens before we right anyone off.

[ORLMagicGirl15]

Now, those of us on here do sometimes get frustrated by some of the arguments about our team because we know you guys are not watching the games and get the analysis wrong.

As for the topic at hand. I don’t actually know what is going on in the East. I don’t know what the 76ers, Raptors, Hornets, or Nets are trying to do.

The only analysis being made about the Magic is that theyve won 4 playoff games since the turn of the decade. While they may have a very good season ahead, they havn't done anything up until now so the "showboating" is unneccesary for a team that has huge off eff issues.
I likewise am not sure what the Magic or Wizards are trying to do, Best of luck.

My comments were a general statement about how people here want to analyze our team without watching games and that’s what frustrate Magic fans. And like I said, there are only a few of us that post on the general board, not sure about the showboating you’re taking about..but it is what it is. The Magic board is very aware of our team’s limitations and our GM did a lot to correct that.

And if you want me to expand on my opinions about the 4 teams, because I wasn’t trying to be rude or put any fans of those teams down, I’ll tell you because I feel those teams directions are unclear.

The 76ers are a top 4 seed if Embiid and George are both healthy. Because we do not know their status, I do not know if they are going for a soft rebuilt or if they are going for the playoffs (based on health). As for the Hornets and Nets, they have a great mixture of veteran players BUT a TON of young guys (Rooks and 2nd years). Not sure if they are going to heavily lean on their vets or make it a developmental year for all their rookies, that decision will decide playoffs or drafts. As for the Raptors-with the signing of BI and Quickley, it seems like their going for a playoff/playin spot, however, I don’t know if they WANT to make the playoffs or want one more stab at the draft. These 4 teams to me are more uncertain, that’s why it is hard for ME to predict.

ALSO, the Bucks, Miami, Pacers, NY, and Celtics are the only one that has done anything these past 5 years in the playoffs. Any other Eastern conference teams fans are simply just excited about the possibility of a wide open East.

[JujitsuFlip]

Why do Magic haters keep comparing them to the Wizards? Y'all that desperate? I mean I'd be sweating too, knowing they nearly beat my vaunted team in a playoff series already, with an inferior, less experienced squad. We know that's what this really comes down to. You don't think they'll underpform, you're just really, really hoping they do.

I am not worried about any team coached by Jamal Mosley, i can guarantee you that.

Worst 3 point shooting team in the NBA in the regular season and playoffs in 2024-25. Coupled with the slowest pace in the NBA in the regular season and playoffs in 2024-25.

That just screams Finals bound.

Ane yet somehow the cavs were a half away getting knocked out by a team that couldn't make a 3 to save its life, a team that was led by a 21 & 22, year old. A team that had no real quality veteran leadership.

This team got significantly better this off season then the team that nearly knocked the cavs out two playoffs ago. Can't say the same for the cavs (unless you believe Hunter is the x factor for a championship)

It isn't the same team. Coach's can change and make adjustments with new personal, they added two key bench coach's as well (one being an offensive minded lead assistant). Let's see what happens before we right anyone off.

How are the Cavs the same team? lol

You all played against Allen for 3.5 games. Wade missed all 7 games that series. Hunter wasn't on the team. Lonzo Ball wasn't on the team. Nance Jr wasn't on the team. Tyson wasn't on the team. Proctor wasn't on the team. Merrill played 48 minutes total in that series.

Let's not forget Cavs ditched the one dimensional wet paper bag bickerstaff and upgraded to the 2025 NBA Coach Of the Year, Kenny Atkinson.

Your Magic haven't faced this version of the Cavs, sorry.

[basketballRob]

Sure, in that case Wizards to the Finals because Middleton and McCollum are like that.

Just because the Celtics sold off half their core and the Pacers lost 40% of their starters, doesn't mean the Magic are Finals bound lol we still gotta use logic and say wait, maybe we should see if these guys can win a single series before we gas them up.

Why do Magic haters keep comparing them to the Wizards? Y'all that desperate? I mean I'd be sweating too, knowing they nearly beat my vaunted team in a playoff series already, with an inferior, less experienced squad. We know that's what this really comes down to. You don't think they'll underpform, you're just really, really hoping they do.

I am not worried about any team coached by Jamal Mosley, i can guarantee you that.

Worst 3 point shooting team in the NBA in the regular season and playoffs in 2024-25. Coupled with the slowest pace in the NBA in the regular season and playoffs in 2024-25.

That just screams Finals bound.

There was a correlation with having no guard playmaking and our shooting percentage. Next season, we'll have 4 guards who can handle and pass the ball. Just having guards who bring it up and quickly get everyone into sets will make a huge difference. Suggs, Bane, Tyus, and Black. With Jase being the 5th guard.





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[3ddman23]

I am not worried about any team coached by Jamal Mosley, i can guarantee you that.

Worst 3 point shooting team in the NBA in the regular season and playoffs in 2024-25. Coupled with the slowest pace in the NBA in the regular season and playoffs in 2024-25.

That just screams Finals bound.

Ane yet somehow the cavs were a half away getting knocked out by a team that couldn't make a 3 to save its life, a team that was led by a 21 & 22, year old. A team that had no real quality veteran leadership.

This team got significantly better this off season then the team that nearly knocked the cavs out two playoffs ago. Can't say the same for the cavs (unless you believe Hunter is the x factor for a championship)

It isn't the same team. Coach's can change and make adjustments with new personal, they added two key bench coach's as well (one being an offensive minded lead assistant). Let's see what happens before we right anyone off.

How are the Cavs the same team? lol

You all played against Allen for 3.5 games. Wade missed all 7 games that series. Hunter wasn't on the team. Lonzo Ball wasn't on the team. Nance Jr wasn't on the team. Tyson wasn't on the team. Proctor wasn't on the team. Merrill played 48 minutes total in that series.

Let's not forget Cavs ditched the one dimensional wet paper bag bickerstaff and upgraded to the 2025 NBA Coach Of the Year, Kenny Atkinson.

Your Magic haven't faced this version of the Cavs, sorry.

And somehow that doesn't work for the magic? You are the one acting like this magic team is the same team for the last 15 years because they have not won a playoff series.

Non of those guys you listed besides maybe hunter are game changers in terms of winning a championship in my eyes. I mean you are naming guys like Procter & Tyson who won't even be playing. Lonzo is about health which I wouldn't bet on.

The series was tied 2-2 when Allen played. In fact the magic seemed to struggle more when Allen came out of the lineup and Morris was inserted into the starting lineup.

I'm honestly not worried one bit about the cavs

[JujitsuFlip]

Why do Magic haters keep comparing them to the Wizards? Y'all that desperate? I mean I'd be sweating too, knowing they nearly beat my vaunted team in a playoff series already, with an inferior, less experienced squad. We know that's what this really comes down to. You don't think they'll underpform, you're just really, really hoping they do.

I am not worried about any team coached by Jamal Mosley, i can guarantee you that.

Worst 3 point shooting team in the NBA in the regular season and playoffs in 2024-25. Coupled with the slowest pace in the NBA in the regular season and playoffs in 2024-25.

That just screams Finals bound.

There was a correlation with having no guard playmaking and our shooting percentage. Next season, we'll have 4 guards who can handle and pass the ball. Just having guards who bring it up and quickly get everyone into sets will make a huge difference. Suggs, Bane, Tyus, and Black. With Jase being the 5th guard.





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That is only the case, if Banchero is willing to sacrifice.

If he's out there doing his 3 TO vs 4.8 Ast act then it's kinda moot. While he chucks up 6 threes per game on below league average efficiency. With Franz right along with him, chucking up 6 more threes on even worse efficiency.

Also, it's not like Suggs is a good facilitator of the offense, he's a 3 TO vs 3 Ast guy. He can't shoot either, 7 threes per game on trash efficiency.

Bane is probably the best at taking care of the ball and setting up teammates in the starting 5, tbh. Plus he's a deadeye shooter from deep.

[JujitsuFlip]

Ane yet somehow the cavs were a half away getting knocked out by a team that couldn't make a 3 to save its life, a team that was led by a 21 & 22, year old. A team that had no real quality veteran leadership.

This team got significantly better this off season then the team that nearly knocked the cavs out two playoffs ago. Can't say the same for the cavs (unless you believe Hunter is the x factor for a championship)

It isn't the same team. Coach's can change and make adjustments with new personal, they added two key bench coach's as well (one being an offensive minded lead assistant). Let's see what happens before we right anyone off.

How are the Cavs the same team? lol

You all played against Allen for 3.5 games. Wade missed all 7 games that series. Hunter wasn't on the team. Lonzo Ball wasn't on the team. Nance Jr wasn't on the team. Tyson wasn't on the team. Proctor wasn't on the team. Merrill played 48 minutes total in that series.

Let's not forget Cavs ditched the one dimensional wet paper bag bickerstaff and upgraded to the 2025 NBA Coach Of the Year, Kenny Atkinson.

Your Magic haven't faced this version of the Cavs, sorry.

And somehow that doesn't work for the magic? You are the one acting like this magic team is the same team for the last 15 years because they have not won a playoff series.

Non of those guys you listed besides maybe hunter are game changers in terms of winning a championship in my eyes. I mean you are naming guys like Procter & Tyson who won't even be playing. Lonzo is about health which I wouldn't bet on.

The series was tied 2-2 when Allen played. In fact the magic seemed to struggle more when Allen came out of the lineup and Morris was inserted into the starting lineup.

I'm honestly not worried one bit about the cavs

Magic took Tristan Kardashian, felon Morris, Niang, LeVert, and Okoro to 7 games while being coached by one of the worst head coaches in the NBA in jb and you think that means your team will play in the 2026 Finals, lol good luck with that.