Cleveland Cavaliers – Over/Under: 56.5 Wins
The Cavaliers enter the 2025 season as the NBA’s first true “Second Apron” test case, a contender with no flexibility to make trades or sign buyout players. Despite that, their young core remains intact. They lost Ty Jerome and Isaac Okoro but added Lonzo Ball, Larry Nance Jr., and Thomas Bryant. Analysts see this as a “run it back” year with a focus on internal growth.
Evan Mobley is the key. For him to hit MVP conversations, he needs to average around 24 points, 12 rebounds, and shoot near 50-40-80 percentages while anchoring a top-three defense. If Garland and Mobley stay healthy, the Cavs could easily hit 57 wins again. Injuries are the only concern.
Pick: Slight Over – 57 wins. Consensus: Two votes over, one under.
Detroit Pistons – Over/Under: 46.5 Wins
Detroit surprised many with their 44 wins last year but lost some shooting depth (Malik Beasley, Schröder, Tim Hardaway Jr.). They added Caris LeVert, Duncan Robinson, and Javonte Green but none are surefire upgrades.
Zach Lowe picked Assar Thompson as a Most Improved Player candidate, but the panel doubts Detroit’s offense can evolve beyond their turnover issues.
Pick: Under – 44–45 wins. Development may flatten before the next leap.
Milwaukee Bucks – Over/Under: 42.5 Wins
Despite losing Brook Lopez and Damian Lillard, the Bucks retooled smartly , adding Miles Turner, Cole Anthony, Kevin Porter Jr., and AJ Green. With Giannis still at the helm, this version feels more balanced and flexible. Turner’s defense and shooting open new dynamics, and Doc Rivers’ win-now urgency adds intensity.
All three panelists locked this one as a Triple Over Lock.
Pick: Over – 47–48 wins minimum.
Indiana Pacers – Over/Under: 36.5 Wins
Losing Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner looks catastrophic, but the Pacers’ locker room culture remains elite — “serious guys who care about the right things.” They’ll rely heavily on Bennedict Mathurin (a Most Improved Player dark horse) and Obi Toppin. Coach Rick Carlisle’s system keeps them competitive even without star power.
Picks: Two Over, one Under. Expectation: low 40s if healthy, mid-30s if not.
Chicago Bulls – Over/Under: 32.5 Wins
No team defines “stuck in the middle” better than the Bulls. They always hover around .500 and never tank. Despite losing Lonzo Ball and adding Isaac Okoro, they’re expected to grind their way to another play in bid under Billy Donovan.
Pick: Over – around 38–40 wins. The East is weak, and Chicago knows who it is.
New York Knicks – Over/Under: 52.5 Wins
One of the strongest locks of the entire conference. The Knicks swapped Tom Thibodeau for Mike Brown and added Karl-Anthony Towns, Guerschon Yabusele, and Malcolm Brogdon. Their depth, identity, and home-court advantage in Madison Square Garden make them a legitimate #1 seed candidate.
Pick: Over / Lock. Expect 55+ wins.
Philadelphia 76ers – Over/Under: 42.5 Wins
This line reflects complete chaos potential. Joel Embiid and Paul George are already listed day-to-day, and rookie Jared McCain’s injury clouds early chemistry. Embiid’s health and motivation remains the franchise’s Achilles heel. The Sixers’ infrastructure and locker room leadership continue to crumble.
Pick: Hard Under. Trusting the “new era” Sixers is like buying a lottery ticket.
Boston Celtics – Over/Under: 42.5 Wins
Jason Tatum’s injury (Achilles) keeps expectations moderate, but Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Anthony Simons keep the team competitive. Coach Joe Mazzulla’s system ensures they’ll shoot 60+ threes per game. Still, depth and rebounding are major concerns.
Picks: Two Under, one Over. They could float near .500 until Tatum returns.
Toronto Raptors – Over/Under: 39.5 Wins
Despite skepticism, Toronto’s investment in Brandon Ingram, Scottie Barnes, and Immanuel Quickley suggests they want to compete now. Injuries and poor chemistry derailed last season, but healthy continuity and coaching stability could push them back above .500.
Pick: Over (Lock). Around 42–43 wins.
Brooklyn Nets – Over/Under: 19.5 Wins
The consensus worst team in the East. No clear ball-handler, too many young wings, and trade candidates galore. Cam Thomas will get shots, but the offense will be chaos.
Pick: Under (Lock). They might flirt with 15 wins.
Orlando Magic – Over/Under: 50.5 Wins
Desmond Bane and Tyus Jones join a team that already defends at a top-three level. The Paulo Banchero Franz Wagner duo continues to ascend.
Analysts are split: some see a regression due to pressure, others see a breakout to 51–52 wins.
Pick: Over (Lock) – elite regular-season defense and young depth.
Atlanta Hawks – Over/Under: 47.5 Wins
Porzingis joins Trae Young and Jalen Johnson in what looks like a rejuvenated, versatile squad. The Hawks’ shooting depth and improved defense make them a sleeper 50-win team.
Pick: Over. Finally the right balance of star talent and system.
Miami Heat – Over/Under: 38.5 Wins
With Tyler Herro out until at least December, Miami faces an uphill climb. Still, Heat Culture can’t be ignored, they’ve topped 36 wins in all 17 Spoelstra seasons.
Pick: Two Over, one Under. Expect around 39–41 wins.
Charlotte Hornets – Over/Under: 26.5 Wins
With LaMelo Ball healthy, Brandon Miller improving, and new coach Charles Lee , Charlotte might finally stabilize. They added depth (Dean Wade, Grant Williams) and have a solid rotation.
Pick: Over. Around 28–30 wins , feisty, fast, and fun.
Washington Wizards – Over/Under: 20.5 Wins
CJ McCollum and Chris Middleton might start the season in D.C., but trades loom large. The young core Trey Johnson, Bilal Coulibaly, Cam Whitmore, will get developmental minutes, not wins.
Pick: Under (Lock). Full rebuild mode.
Final Eastern Conference Locks
- Cavs Over 56.5
- Bucks Over 42.5 (Triple Lock)
- Knicks Over 52.5 (Lock)
- Raptors Over 39.5 (Lock)
- Magic Over 50.5 (Lock)
- Nets Under 19.5 (Lock)
- Wizards Under 20.5 (Lock)
Written By Drew Lee