NBA Season Assessment: Eastern Conference Report Card
As we approach the end of the first quarter of the NBA season, with over half of the league’s 30 teams having played at least 21 games, it’s time to assess their performances. This evaluation will provide a report card for each team based on their expectations and current standing at this juncture of the 2025-26 season. For instance, the Washington Wizards (3-17) are receiving positive reviews for some aspects because their intention is to lose—and they are doing so effectively. Conversely, higher expectations surround the Cleveland Cavaliers (13-9), who face scrutiny for not meeting anticipated performance levels.
Eastern Conference Overview
We begin with the Eastern Conference, where the Detroit Pistons (17-4) have established themselves as contenders, leading a group of teams including notable franchises like the New York Knicks (13-7) and the Cleveland Cavaliers. These teams, once forecasted to be dominant in the East, find themselves among several others with win totals hovering around a dozen to fifteen, trailing behind the Pistons.
Despite the wide-open race for playoff positioning, there hasn’t been a single team in the East that has shown enough prowess to suggest they can challenge the Western Conference champions in the Finals. However, with the potential return of stars like Jayson Tatum for the Boston Celtics (12-9), and the competitive nature of the Miami Heat (14-7), Toronto Raptors (15-7), Orlando Magic (13-8), Atlanta Hawks (13-9), and Philadelphia 76ers (11-9), the playoff landscape could shift dramatically.
Before diving into the assessments for the Eastern teams, it’s notable that the Pistons are weighing potential trades, especially rumors surrounding Lauri Markkanen. Their current performance suggests they might be close to needing an additional player to enhance their championship aspirations.
Team Report Cards
- Atlanta Hawks (13-9)
Top Performer: Jalen Johnson
Best Lineup: Johnson, Alexander-Walker, Daniels, Risacher, Porziņģis (+25 in 122 minutes)
Notable Loss: vs. Toronto, 109-97
Record Against Strong Teams: 6-7
Comments: The Hawks have positively thrived despite Trae Young’s absence, showing resilience with solid stats. The return of Young could either enhance their offensive capabilities or prompt trade considerations.
Grade: B - Boston Celtics (12-9)
Top Performer: Jaylen Brown
Best Lineup: Brown, Pritchard, White, Hauser, Queta (+40 in 53 minutes)
Notable Loss: vs. Brooklyn, 113-105
Record Against Strong Teams: 7-7
Comments: The Celtics have navigated injuries, especially to Tatum, yet strong performances from Brown highlight their potential. However, they must address defensive weaknesses.
Grade: B - Brooklyn Nets (4-16)
Top Performer: Michael Porter Jr.
Best Lineup: Porter, Thomas, Mann, Martin, Claxton (+8 in 19 minutes)
Notable Loss: at Charlotte, 136-117
Record Against Strong Teams: 1-14
Comments: The season has been difficult for the Nets after a rookie-heavy draft. They have struggled significantly and appear to be in a rebuilding phase.
Grade: B - Charlotte Hornets (6-15)
Top Performer: Kon Knueppel
Best Lineup: Knueppel, Ball, Bridges, Miller, Kalkbrenner (+2 in 39 minutes)
Notable Loss: at Pacers, 127-118
Record Against Strong Teams: 1-10
Comments: The early draft selections show promise, but team cohesion remains an issue. LaMelo Ball’s commitment to winning is under scrutiny.
Grade: D - Chicago Bulls (9-11)
Top Performer: Josh Giddey
Best Lineup: Giddey, Jones, Huerter, Buzelis, Vučević (+16 in 26 minutes)
Notable Loss: vs. Miami, 143-107
Record Against Strong Teams: 6-6
Comments: The Bulls have talent but are struggling for consistency. They need to capitalize on early victories to regain their competitive edge.
Grade: C - Cleveland Cavaliers (13-9)
Top Performer: Donovan Mitchell
Best Lineup: Mitchell, Garland, Hunter, Mobley, Allen (+18 in 43 minutes)
Notable Loss: vs. Toronto, 126-113
Record Against Strong Teams: 4-9
Comments: The Cavaliers are facing challenges with health and offensive execution but have standout players like Mitchell to rely on.
Grade: D - Detroit Pistons (17-4)
Top Performer: Cade Cunningham
Best Lineup: Cunningham, Robinson, Thompson, Harris, Duren (+33 in 113 minutes)
Notable Loss: at Boston, 117-114
Record Against Strong Teams: 8-3
Comments: The Pistons are exceeding expectations. With various injured players returning, they could solidify their status as serious contenders.
Grade: A - Indiana Pacers (4-17)
Top Performer: Pascal Siakam
Best Lineup: Siakam, Nesmith, Walker, Jackson, Jackson (+20 in 35 minutes)
Notable Loss: at Utah, 152-128
Record Against Strong Teams: 1-12
Comments: The Pacers appear to be in a downward spiral after a promising prior season. Time will tell if this serves as a rebuilding period.
Grade: C - Miami Heat (14-7)
Top Performer: Norman Powell
Best Lineup: Powell, Mitchell, Larsson, Wiggins, Adebayo (+33 in 48 minutes)
Notable Loss: vs. Cleveland, 130-116
Record Against Strong Teams: 5-7
Comments: The Heat have played effectively, with multiple players stepping up, especially with Powell’s emergence as a key player.
Grade: A - Milwaukee Bucks (9-13)
Top Performer: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Best Lineup: Antetokounmpo, Rollins, Green, Kuzma, Turner (+50 in 59 minutes)
Notable Loss: at Washington, 129-126
Record Against Strong Teams: 3-9
Comments: The Bucks rely heavily on Giannis for scoring, but their defense continues to be a concern despite offseason additions.
Grade: C - New York Knicks (13-7)
Top Performer: Jalen Brunson
Best Lineup: Brunson, Hart, Bridges, Anunoby, Towns (+22 in 40 minutes)
Notable Loss: vs. Orlando, 124-107
Record Against Strong Teams: 5-5
Comments: The Knicks boast a capable offense and improved defense, positioning themselves well for playoff contention, though defensive vulnerabilities remain.
Grade: B - Orlando Magic (13-8)
Top Performer: Franz Wagner
Best Lineup: Wagner, Suggs, Bane, Banchero, Carter Jr. (+45 in 101 minutes)
Notable Loss: vs. Chicago, 110-98
Record Against Strong Teams: 7-7
Comments: Despite a rocky start, the Magic have found their rhythm and excelled offensively. The coherence of their key players will determine their success.
Grade: B - Philadelphia 76ers (11-9)
Top Performer: Tyrese Maxey
Best Lineup: Maxey, Edgecombe, Grimes, Oubre Jr., Drummond (+22 in 39 minutes)
Notable Loss: vs. Orlando, 144-103
Record Against Strong Teams: 4-8
Comments: Facing injury issues, the 76ers display promise but need consistency to optimize their potential during the season.
Grade: B - Toronto Raptors (15-7)
Top Performer: Scottie Barnes
Best Lineup: Barnes, Quickley, Barrett, Ingram, Poeltl (+18 in 166 minutes)
Notable Loss: at Charlotte, 118-111
Record Against Strong Teams: 6-4
Comments: The Raptors have surprised many with their strong start, led by improved defense and the stellar play of their stars. Their schedule’s toughness will be tested as the season unfolds.
Grade: A - Washington Wizards (3-17)
Top Performer: Alex Sarr
Best Lineup: Sarr, McCollum, Johnson, George, Middleton (+22 in 31 minutes)
Notable Loss: vs. Brooklyn, 129-106
Record Against Strong Teams: 1-11
Comments: At the bottom of the standings by design, the Wizards seek growth from their younger prospects while embracing a rebuilding phase.
Grade: A
