Discussing Which Team Has a Better Advantage to Secure the Eastern Conference Championship in the 2025-26 Season: Cleveland Cavaliers or New York Knicks?
The Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks are gearing up for a fierce battle in the Eastern Conference for the upcoming 2025-2026 NBA season. Both teams had impressive showings in the previous season, but current expert analysis and team status suggest that the Cavaliers have a slightly better chance to win the Eastern Conference.
The Cleveland Cavaliers
Last season, the Cavaliers finished as the Eastern Conference's best team with a 64-18 record. They maintained a strong core of Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. Despite playoff struggles in the past few years, the team has a chip on its shoulder and has added valuable depth, including Lonzo Ball, Larry Nance Jr., and rookie Tyrese Proctor.
Multiple sources view the Cavaliers as the favourites or top contender in the East due to their combination of star power, experienced roster, and relatively weak competition from other contenders like Boston, Indiana, and Milwaukee, who face injuries or rebuilding phases. Power rankings place them at #2 overall, highlighting a complete roster and a clear expectation to reach at least the conference finals or beyond this season.
The New York Knicks
The Knicks were the No. 3 seed last season and reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000, but they lost to the eventual champion Indiana Pacers. Their key stars remain largely the same, including Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns, with some bench improvements by adding Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele.
However, the Knicks have shown issues with heavy minutes among starters affecting playoff stamina, and their success may depend on how well new coach Mike Brown can optimize their offense and depth. The Knicks’ title odds (+280) are slightly behind the Cavaliers (+240), reflecting a close but secondary position in the East.
Comparing the Teams
The Cavaliers had three separate winning streaks of at least 12 games in the 2024 regular season, finishing with 64 wins. They were bottom 10 in transition frequency, with 80% of their plays coming in the half-court. However, they addressed their lack of size in the backcourt by adding Lonzo Ball.
The Knicks, with their starting five and noteworthy bench boosts, could flirt with 60 wins if Head Coach Tom Thibodeau delivers on the improvements the organization is looking for. Despite having shooters like Brunson, Towns, Anunoby, and Bridges, the Knicks finished near the bottom in 3-point rate during the 2024 season. They were below average in corner 3-point efficiency (18th, 38.7%).
Other Contenders
The Atlanta Hawks have added Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Luke Kennard, and Asa Newell, but they remain a tier below the Knicks and Cavaliers due to health issues and uncertainty about a Trae Young extension.
In conclusion, while both teams are top contenders and present strong cases for Eastern Conference dominance, the Cavaliers hold a slight edge due to their stronger recent record, deeper roster, and recognition as favourites in multiple power rankings and betting odds. The Knicks remain a formidable challenge, especially if they manage to overcome previous playoff endurance issues.
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