The Cleveland Cavaliers ran the Eastern Conference for the 2024-25 regular season, and they were favorites to go all the way to the Finals.
A lot can change over the summer and before next season starts, but as of now, they are not the frontrunners to come out of the East.
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, via ESPN Cleveland, the New York Knicks now hold those honors, with odds of +280.
They are followed by the Cavaliers with +310, the Orlando Magic with +390, the Atlanta Hawks with +950, and the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers with +1100.
The Cavs are no longer the favorites to win the East, per @FDSportsbook pic.twitter.com/fifMbqTKqu
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) July 1, 2025
The drop in Cleveland’s chances is disappointing but, ultimately, not that surprising.
Although they had a great regular season, their playoff run was once again very disappointing, and it clearly impacted the betting markets, which now question how far they can go.
The Cavaliers might make big offseason changes that could improve their chances, and these betting numbers shift around often, so it may not stay this way.
But right now, it’s clear that the Cavaliers have to gain back belief from the betting public.
It’s also interesting to see the Celtics fall so much lower.
The injury to Jayson Tatum and their recent trades surely had an impact on them.
Also, it’s worth noting that the Indiana Pacers aren’t even on this list, showing just how much Tyrese Haliburton will likely affect them.
The Eastern Conference is fluid and unpredictable, and it’ll change even more in the days and weeks ahead.
The betting markets will likely be a rollercoaster during this wild offseason.
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