3 Best East Teams to Challenge OKC’s Crown Next Season

The latter were the league-leaders for a while, and set quite a few records in the process. Injuries slowed them down towards the end, which helped OKC clinch the regular-season crown. Those injuries also played a hand in their eventual loss to the Pacers in the 2nd round.

Even though that loss was embarrassing, some believed without those injuries, the Cleveland Cavaliers were the best bet to battle OKC in the finals. After tinkering with their roster this offseason, they look to return to that form and fight for the crown.

New York Knicks are desperate for OKC’s crown

Another team that made significant offseason moves, in anticipation of fighting for the 2025 NBA title, were the New York Knicks. Until the 2nd round battle against the Boston Celtics, they looked like they could fight for the title.

However, in the Eastern Conference Finals, their lack of bench production, some of which was attributed to former head coach Tom Thibodeau‘s reluctance to utilize, became their undoing. This offseason, they seem to have remedied both those problems.

Thibs is gone, and the Knicks brought in two stud rotational players to aid their starting core. If all goes well, expect their passionate fan base to start dreaming of that championship. It has been quite a long time, and they might be best positioned to win it.

Young Orlando Magic could be dark horse to upset OKC

The two teams mentioned above had a chance to show their potential in the playoffs, and managed to keep running until their wheels fell off. The Orlando Magic finished 7th after injuries hampered their early season form.

Those injuries and the lack of playoff experience nearly led to a sweep at the hands of the Boston Celtics in the 1st round. The young core will take that experience and look to work on it. Moreover, they have received a franchise-altering addition in the form of Desmond Bane .

His leadership will be key in unlocking a young team hungry to prove their worth. If they could keep themselves out of the medical room, the Magic have a legitimate chance of upsetting quite a few teams and the champion OKC as well.

Most importantly, they will not have to worry about the Indiana Pacers and the Boston Celtics. Injuries will be a major obstacle for them to overcome. Therefore, these three teams have the best chance to unseat OKC from their throne.