The NBA postseason is upon us. The playoff matchups are set, and the Play-In Tournament is about to begin. In two months, we will know the 2025 NBA champion. Before the excitement of the playoffs, let`s pause and reflect on the season that just concluded.
The 2024-25 NBA regular season finished on Sunday, and the Eastern Conference playoff picture isn`t exactly as many predicted at the start of the season. The Cavaliers secured the top seed in the East, while the Pistons surprisingly finished in the top six, guaranteeing a playoff spot. The Celtics and Knicks demonstrated strength throughout much of the season, but the 76ers faced significant challenges due to Joel Embiid`s knee injury.
With each team having completed 82 games, we will now review the regular season and assign grades to each team in the Eastern Conference.
Atlanta Hawks: B-
- Record: 40-42
- The basics: 17th in offense, 18th in defense, 18th in net rating (-1.1)
The Hawks experienced seven winning streaks and seven losing streaks of at least three games each, and they are in the Play-In Tournament for the fourth consecutive year. While the overall outcome was another mediocre season for Atlanta, the development of their young wing players – Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, and Zaccharie Risacher – provided a different feel to this campaign.
Boston Celtics: A
- Record: 61-21
- The basics: 2nd in offense, 4th in defense, 2nd in net rating (+9.4)
The Celtics overcame a midseason slump, winning 19 of their last 22 games to reach 60 wins for the second straight season and the 15th time in franchise history. They are the first defending champion to win 60 games since the 2016 Golden State Warriors. The Celtics are considered favorites to emerge from the East, with the only potential concern being Jaylen Brown’s knee issue.
Brooklyn Nets: C+
- Record: 26-56
- The basics: 28th in offense, 23rd in defense, 26th in net rating (-7.3)
Despite expectations of tanking, the Nets played with considerable effort. Coach Jordi Fernandez implemented unique defensive strategies, and the team showed a willingness to take risks. While their offensive struggles limit their grade, Brooklyn appears to be building something new, and their offseason moves with cap space and draft picks will be crucial.
Charlotte Hornets: C-
- Record: 19-63
- The basics: 29th in offense, 24th in defense, 27th in net rating (-9.1)
Injuries hampered the Hornets` development hopes once again. While they finished with slightly fewer wins than the previous season, expectations were lowered by injuries to key players like Brandon Miller and Grant Williams. Assessing this Hornets team is challenging due to player absences, but there is potential for improvement. A healthy Hornets team could contend for a play-in spot, depending on their draft pick and health of players like LaMelo Ball.
Chicago Bulls: C+
- Record: 39-43
- The basics: 20th in offense, 19th in defense, 20th in net rating (-1.6)
The Bulls remain a consistently average, play-in team with limited playoff prospects. Trades over the past two years have yielded minimal returns. While the duo of Coby White and Josh Giddey has shown promise since the All-Star break, they may not be enough to contend in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls lack a franchise centerpiece and their future direction remains unclear.
Cleveland Cavaliers: A+
- Record: 64-18
- The basics: 1st in offense, 8th in defense, 3rd in net rating (+9.2)
The Cavaliers achieved their third 60+ win season in franchise history. With 64 wins, they are close to their franchise record set in 2008-09. The Cavaliers aim to surpass the Eastern Conference finals appearance of that earlier team. Donovan Mitchell has integrated well, and Evan Mobley has emerged as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate while improving offensively. Cleveland has been the top regular-season team in the East, and their postseason performance will be the key test.
Detroit Pistons: A+
- Record: 44-38
- The basics: 14th in offense, 10th in defense, 12th in net rating (+2.1)
The Pistons` jump to a top-six seed is a major surprise after a historically poor season last year. Cade Cunningham has become an All-Star, and other players have stepped up. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff has revitalized the team, leading them to their first playoff appearance since 2019. Their success, even with Jaden Ivey`s injury, provides optimism for the future.
Indiana Pacers: B+
- Record: 50-32
- The basics: 9th in offense, 14th in defense, 13th in net rating (+2.1)
Tyrese Haliburton has been a consistent playmaker for the Pacers. The team`s defense improved significantly in the regular season without major roster changes, thanks to players like Andrew Nembhard and Pascal Siakam.
Miami Heat: D
- Record: 37-45
- The basics: 21st in offense, 9th in defense, 16th in net rating (+0.4)
The Heat`s season was largely disappointing. The Jimmy Butler trade loomed over the team, and their performance declined after his departure. Despite sneaking into the Play-In Tournament, the Heat face low playoff expectations.
Milwaukee Bucks: C+
- Record: 48-34
- The basics: 10th in offense, 12th in defense, 11th in net rating (+2.4)
Giannis Antetokounmpo continued his dominant play, but the Bucks` season was inconsistent. Injuries remain a concern heading into the playoffs, potentially affecting Damian Lillard`s availability.
New York Knicks: B+
- Record: 51-31
- The basics: 5th in offense, 13th in defense, 8th in net rating (+4.0)
The Knicks have achieved consecutive 50-win seasons for the first time since the Pat Riley era. Their offense has been surprisingly effective, and the team has shown growth throughout the season. However, questions remain about their defense, particularly against top-tier teams like the Cavaliers and Celtics.
Orlando Magic: B-
- Record: 41-41
- The basics: 27th in offense, 2nd in defense, 17th in net rating (-0.2)
The Magic`s strong defense contrasts sharply with their poor offense. Injuries impacted key players, but their defense kept them competitive. While their defense wins games, their stagnant offense raises questions about their postseason potential.
Philadelphia 76ers: F
- Record: 24-58
- The basics: 23rd in offense, 26th in defense, 25th in net rating (-6.3)
The Sixers experienced a disastrous season, transitioning to tanking after playoff aspirations. Injuries, particularly to Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey, heavily impacted their performance. The season was highly disappointing for Philadelphia.
Toronto Raptors: C
- Record: 30-52
- The basics: 26th in offense, 15th in defense, 24th in net rating (-4.1)
The Raptors showed defensive improvement later in the season, but their overall season resembled a rebuilding year. While they have young talent, their roster is expensive, and their future draft pick situation is uncertain.
Washington Wizards: C
- Record: 18-64
- The basics: 30th in offense, 28th in defense, 30th in net rating (-11.8)
The Wizards focused on acquiring draft capital and improving lottery odds. Rookie Alex Sarr showed development. While nothing went drastically wrong, the team`s development stories are limited, and their future franchise player is still to be determined.
