Our writers share their early predictions for how the Eastern Conference standings could take shape in the 2025-26 season.

The Knicks have the same number of wins since May 31 as the Jets. And while the Knicks suffered a loss in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals to the Pacers that strafed the souls of the most fervent and truest believers every bit as much as that Denver debacle did for Giants fans, enough time has passed to soften those wounds.

The irony of the 2025-26 NBA season is that it is simultaneously extremely predictable and an unpredictable mess. We can say pretty confidently who's going to be at the top. The Thunder are leaps and bounds ahead of the field on paper.

Standings from the NBA games on Wednesday Eastern Conference Atlantic Division W L PCT GB 1. Philadelphia 76ers 1 0 1.000 - 1. Toronto Raptors 1 0 1.000 - 1. New York Knicks 1 0 1.000 - 4. Boston Celtics 0 1 .