Heading toward the later part of the 2025-2026 season, numerous NBA teams have solidified their positions as top title contenders. With the Indiana Pacers at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, the question is which franchise will be the next to make an NBA Finals appearance.
In a recent post on X, Basketball Hall of Famer Magic Johnson predicted that the Detroit Pistons and the New York Knicks will face each other in the Eastern Conference Finals.
“Now I think it’s going to be the Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers will be their main competition but, let’s not forget about the Boston Celtics. Especially the way Jaylen Brown has been playing, the Celtics know how to win.”
Battle For the Eastern Conference
With a 41-13 record, the Pistons are positioned first in the Eastern Conference standings. The franchise’s recent success can be attributed to top five MVP candidate Cade Cunningham, who is averaging 25.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 9.7 assists per game.
The Knicks hold the fourth spot in the conference standings. Led by reigning All-Stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, New York made an Eastern Conference Finals appearance and won the 2025 NBA Cup over the last calendar year.
The Cavaliers are currently on a seven-game winning streak, quickly rising up the rankings. Earlier this month, the franchise dealt Darius Garland to the Los Angeles Clippers for 11-time All-Star James Harden.
Led by Jaylen Brown, the Celtics have consistently held the third spot in the conference standings. Based on recent reports, Jayson Tatum may rejoin Boston’s lineup before the postseason begins.
Being sixth in the conference, the 76ers are currently Johnson’s lowest-performing contenders. Top contributors include Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, Paul George, and VJ Edgecombe.
Whether Johnson’s prediction comes true or not, the Pistons and Knicks have both established themselves as dominant teams at this point in the season.
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