Cavaliers projected to claim East’s No. 1 seed in preseason reader poll
cavaliers-projected-to-claim-east-no1-seed-preseason-reader-poll
New York — The Cleveland Cavaliers have been picked to finish first in the Eastern Conference for the 2025-26 regular season, according to a reader survey conducted by NBA journalist Marc Stein for his newsletter, The Stein Line.
The poll drew 103 responses, with voters ranking all 15 Eastern Conference teams. Cleveland secured 69 first-place votes, amassing 1,501 points under Stein’s scoring system. The New York Knicks followed with 1,452 points, earning 29 first-place selections and 60 second-place nods.
Complete Eastern Conference projection
1. Cavaliers — 1,501 points
2. Knicks — 1,452
3. Magic — 1,305
4. Hawks — 1,165
5. Pistons — 1,135
6. Bucks — 1,046
7. 76ers — 811
8. Heat — 779
9. Celtics — 778
10. Pacers — 687
11. Raptors — 559
12. Bulls — 428
13. Hornets — 332
14. Wizards — 236
15. Nets — 146
Stein noted that this is the second consecutive preseason in which his readership has projected the Cavaliers to secure the East’s top seed. Last year, Cleveland posted a 64-18 record before falling in the second round of the playoffs.
Source: Hoops Wire
