NBA Eastern Conference Odds (2026)

The following post features NBA Eastern Conference Odds (2026).

The NBA Eastern Conference odds reflect how sportsbooks currently view each team’s chances of representing the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals.

Read: NBA Coach of the Year Odds

Related: NBA Western Conference Odds

As the NBA season progresses, these odds will shift based on performance, injuries, and which teams are best positioned for a long playoff run.

So, how is the NBA Eastern Conference race shaping up? Here’s what you need to know.

NBA Eastern Conference Odds (2026)

Below is a table displaying the odds for the NBA Eastern Conference Odds (2026). Click here for the very latest odds (via OddsChecker).

Eastern Conference Contenders (1-14-2026)

New York Knicks (+275)

The Knicks lead the Eastern Conference race, thriving under their reloaded roster featuring Jalen Brunson’s clutch scoring and leadership, Karl-Anthony Towns’ interior dominance, Mikal Bridges’ two-way versatility, and deep bench contributions. Defensive intensity and home-court energy at Madison Square Garden fuel their surge. The narrative revolves around Brunson’s evolution into a true alpha, capitalizing on recent additions for balance, overcoming any injury dips, and locking in the top seed to finally break through for an elusive Eastern Conference crown—positioning New York as the favorites to end a long drought and make a serious Finals push.

Detroit Pistons (+375)

Detroit sits near the top of the East, powered by Cade Cunningham’s all-around brilliance as the engine, Jaden Ivey’s explosive playmaking, and a young core delivering elite pace, shot creation, and defensive grit. Their rapid rise from lottery struggles to legit threats defines the season. The storyline emphasizes Cunningham’s superstar ascent, youth synergy clicking at the perfect time, and defensive identity to fend off challengers, secure a high seed, and emerge as a genuine powerhouse eyeing Eastern supremacy in a wide-open conference.

Boston Celtics (+450)

The Celtics hold strong in the upper echelon, leaning on their championship pedigree with Jaylen Brown’s two-way dominance, Derrick White’s elite defense and scoring, Payton Pritchard’s sharpshooting off the bench, and veteran savvy from the supporting cast. Depth and system execution keep them dangerous despite major absences. The focus centers on grinding through the season without Jayson Tatum (sidelined all year recovering from Achilles surgery, rehabbing steadily and likely returning in March or April—he could slot back into their playoff roster as a massive boost), navigating the grind with experience, and reclaiming positioning to mount another deep run—potentially emerging as a sneaky favorite if Tatum returns healthy for the postseason.

Cleveland Cavaliers (+550)

Cleveland contends firmly near the top, driven by Donovan Mitchell’s explosive scoring bursts, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen’s twin-tower rim protection, and a balanced attack with Darius Garland’s orchestration. Solid positioning highlights their consistency. The plot highlights Mitchell’s leadership in big moments, elite defense anchoring both ends, and core continuity to overcome early challenges, lock in a top seed, and build toward a serious bid to dethrone the favorites for Eastern Conference glory.

Orlando Magic (+1100)

The Magic battle in the competitive mix, fueled by Paolo Banchero’s superstar growth into a dominant force, Franz Wagner’s scoring punch, and stout perimeter defense with Jalen Suggs and additions boosting versatility. Their defensive identity remains a hallmark. The narrative stresses Banchero’s alpha emergence, two-way structure, and young talent maturation to push past hurdles, secure a playoff lock or higher seed, and position for an upset-minded run at the Eastern crown.

Philadelphia 76ers (+1200)

The Sixers cling to contender status, relying on Joel Embiid’s MVP-caliber dominance (health permitting), Tyrese Maxey’s breakout scoring speed, and supporting pieces for spacing and grit. Injury management and lineup tweaks are critical. The storyline emphasizes capitalizing on Embiid’s interior mastery, Maxey’s growth, and veteran poise in clutch spots to climb standings, navigate the Eastern parity, and gear up for a potential deep playoff surge.

Miami Heat (+1700)

Miami hangs in the playoff hunt, powered by Bam Adebayo’s two-way excellence, Tyler Herro’s shot-making, and Erik Spoelstra’s system maximizing role players and culture. Defense and grit keep them alive amid transitions. The focus is on defensive versatility, opportunistic play, and stringing together hot stretches to defy odds and eye a classic Heat resurgence toward Eastern Conference contention.

Atlanta Hawks (+2200)

The Hawks sit in the fringe or wildcard mix, leaning on young talent like Onyeka Okongwu’s rim protection and interior growth, Zaccharie Risacher’s emerging wing upside, and depth for bursts of offense following the Trae Young trade to the Wizards. Inconsistencies linger amid defensive questions and the rebuild shift. The narrative highlights the development of their promising core, new pieces unlocking balance, and capitalizing on favorable matchups to grab a postseason spot, then leverage youth upside for an underdog push in the brutal East.

Toronto Raptors (+3000)

Toronto lingers on the playoff bubble or rebuild fringe, relying on Scottie Barnes’ all-around upside, Immanuel Quickley’s scoring, and young pieces amid a transitional phase post-retooling. Recent struggles underscore challenges. The storyline centers on Barnes’ development into a cornerstone, grinding through adversity with remaining talent, potential mid-season tweaks, and aiming for a late surge to sneak into the play-in—though facing long odds for any serious Eastern Conference title contention.

NBA Eastern Conference Winners (2017-Present)

The table below highlights every NBA Eastern Conference winner since 2017.

2024-25 NBA Eastern Conference Results

The 2024-25 NBA Eastern Conference saw the Cleveland Cavaliers claim the top seed with the conference’s best record under Donovan Mitchell’s leadership and a balanced attack. The defending champion Boston Celtics took the No. 2 seed despite challenges. In the playoffs, upsets shook the bracket: Cleveland exited early, while Boston fell to the New York Knicks in the conference semifinals in six games—shortened by Jayson Tatum’s season-ending Achilles injury in Game 4. The Knicks reached their first Eastern Conference Finals since 2000 but were upset by the Indiana Pacers in six games, handing Indiana the Eastern title. Led by Tyrese Haliburton’s elite playmaking and a gritty supporting cast, the Pacers advanced to the NBA Finals for the second straight year. They faced the Oklahoma City Thunder in a seven-game thriller but came up short as OKC won Game 7 to claim the championship, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander earning Finals MVP honors.