Updated

Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 22

Yahoo Sports Ranks Knicks No. 1 in New 15-Team East as Offseason Moves Reshape Conference

Updated

Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 22

Yahoo Sports Ranks Knicks No. 1 in New 15-Team East as Offseason Moves Reshape Conference

Q: After a chaotic offseason, which new superstar duo has the best chance to win the Eastern Conference?

The Boston Celtics’ new pairing of Jayson Tatum and Paul George looks like the safest bet to win the Eastern Conference. That case rests on both projection and context. The searched material says Boston has the best East odds at DraftKings, listed at +225, and still frames the Celtics as the conference favorite even after a turbulent offseason. Unlike several rivals, Boston is not relying on a major “if” such as LeBron James choosing Cleveland, Kawhi Leonard’s approval in Toronto, or Joel Embiid staying healthy for a full playoff run. The fit also matters. George gives Boston another elite two-way wing, high-level shooting, and defensive versatility next to Tatum. The added Mitchell Robinson frontcourt depth further supports a roster that still has a strong foundation despite losing Jaylen Brown. In a crowded East, continuity plus a clean stylistic fit is a major advantage. Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid-Jaylen Brown duo may have the highest upside if Embiid is healthy, and Miami’s Giannis Antetokounmpo-Bam Adebayo pairing could become the league’s most destructive defensive frontcourt. But both come with bigger questions: Embiid’s durability and offensive balance in Philadelphia, and Miami’s spacing and backcourt creation after the Giannis trade. Cleveland would have a real argument if LeBron James actually arrives and James Harden re-signs, but that remains speculative. Based on what is known now, Boston’s Tatum-George duo has the clearest path to winning the East.

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 22

Yahoo Sports put defending champion New York atop its 15-team Eastern Conference power rankings, projecting a crowded race in which even strong teams could be pushed into the play-in.
New York kept the edge despite offseason losses because its core of Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart still carries title pedigree.
Cleveland landed at No. 2 and Boston at No. 3, with the rankings hinging partly on unresolved star scenarios including possible LeBron James links to the Cavaliers and Heat.
Philadelphia at No. 4, Toronto at No. 5 and Indiana at No. 6 were framed as high-upside contenders, but each comes with a major variable such as Joel Embiid's health or trade approval for Kawhi Leonard.
The list also reflected how heavily the offseason shifted Eastward, from Giannis Antetokounmpo's move to Miami at No. 7 to LaMelo Ball's exit from Charlotte, leaving the conference deeper top to bottom.