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Eastern Conference Showdowns and Bold Finals Predictions: Which Teams Will Defy Expectations in NBA 2025-26?

Eastern Conference Showdowns and Bold Finals Predictions: Which Teams Will Defy Expectations in NBA 2025-26?

• Orlando is the one team that could crash the Knicks/Cavs party. This was a team already looking ready to make a leap behind Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, plus an elite defense. Now, they have added Desmond Bane and Tyus Jones to fill in needed gaps in shooting and having a floor general. Like just about everyone, I am high on Orlando, but they have to prove it on the court, and then they will learn their lessons about winning in the postseason.

• Atlanta is the other team with a chance to crash the party, but a lot more things have to go right. At the top of the list: Kristaps Porzingis has to stay healthy, which is never a given. Beyond that, the question becomes, can Quin Snyder meld a roster with a lot of new parts — Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Luke Kennard, plus a healthy Jalen Johnson — and find chemistry on a roster built to take advantage of Trae Young’s skills. This is a make-or-break season in Atlanta. If Young and this roster can’t compete at a high level, what do they pivot to?

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