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2w ago

Achilles Injuries Open Eastern Conference, Cavaliers Take Command

Multiple season-ending tendon tears have cleared Cleveland’s path to the Finals, prompting major roster changes across the conference.

Oddsmakers see Oklahoma City as the clear favorite to win the NBA Finals for the second year in a row in 2026.
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Overview

  • Season-ending Achilles injuries to Tyrese Haliburton, Jayson Tatum and Damian Lillard have upended the power structure in the Eastern Conference.
  • Cleveland enters 2025-26 as the clear favorite to win the East with its Core Four intact and the best regular-season record of 2024-25.
  • The New York Knicks have retained all key contributors and are poised to contend once they finalize a new head coach.
  • Orlando strengthened its roster by acquiring sharpshooter Desmond Bane, boosting its odds to emerge as a top contender.
  • The Philadelphia 76ers appear poised to recalibrate their roster around a healthy Joel Embiid and young talent; the Celtics have shed veterans to avoid second-apron luxury-tax penalties.