​Earlier this week, we asked Cleveland Cavaliers fans which Eastern Conference team improved the most this offseason. Four teams have made bold moves that are expected to alter their playoff trajectory, but one franchise clearly stood out to the Cavs faithful. More than two-thirds of Cavs fans surveyed believed the Philadelphia 76ers had made the strongest improvement among a group that also included the Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat, and Boston Celtics.
Philadelphia’s lead in the poll isn’t surprising. They pulled off the offseason’s most high-profile swing by trading Paul George and draft capital for Jaylen Brown. Brown emerged as a peripheral MVP candidate last season, and slotting him into George’s role should translate to an immediate upgrade for the 76ers.
Still, it’s worth noting a surprising twist in perception: the Raptors didn’t garner as much support as some might have expected. If the Kawhi Leonard trade finally goes through, Toronto could very well be a short list of Eastern Conference contenders. They would present significant matchup challenges for a Cavs squad that struggled against them in last season’s playoffs, potentially reshaping Cleveland’s ceiling in the East.
The inclusion of the Heat and Celtics in the poll seems reasonable. Miami figures to be notably stronger with the addition of key pieces, and while their potential hinges on how well those players mesh, they should be formidable contenders. The Celtics, too, appear positioned to contend, though questions linger about how the roster will converge around their newest options and stars.
Current odds from FanDuel suggest a tightly contested race for the top seed in the Eastern Conference next season. As it stands, the New York Knicks enter as the favorites to finish with the conference’s best record at +310. They’re followed by the Boston Celtics at +440, the Detroit Pistons at +450, the Cleveland Cavaliers at +800, the Philadelphia 76ers at +850, and the Toronto Raptors at +1000.
When it comes to winning the 2027 NBA Finals, the outlook doesn’t mirror the conference odds with total alignment. The Knicks remain the frontrunners to claim the first Finals title in this window, at +900, followed by the Celtics at +1300, the Raptors at +1600, the Sixers and Pistons both at +2200, and the Cavaliers also at +2200.
The basketball world will soon provide answers as the season unfolds and the playoff picture takes shape. We’ll also be watching closely for how the potential return of LeBron James to the Eastern Conference could alter odds and expectations, as even a partial comeback could shift power dynamics across the conference. With several teams making meaningful upgrades, the East appears poised for a compelling, competitive race to the postseason. For fans and bettors alike, the coming season promises to be an engaging study in momentum, roster construction, and strategic fit.