Progsport Basketball Prediction

The New York Knicks finished the regular season in 3rd place in the Eastern Conference, 53 wins – 29 losses. For such a team, so ambitious on paper, collectively in place, and which fired its previous coach after a setback in the conference final, this record of 53 victories and 29 defeats is not great. Although Mike Brown brought home the NBA Cup, he mainly came to win the East title and the Larry O'Brien. The NY Knicks lost their 82nd game of the season to the Hornets 96-110 with an second team, but remained on 5 successes before, including an XXL like the one against the Boston Celtics 112-106. The Atlanta Hawks 46 wins - 36 losses therefore concluded this 2025-26 regular season in 6th place, directly qualifying for the rest of the adventure. In the tough after the first 3 months, the arrival of McCollum against the immediate departure of Trae Young changed things positively for the Georgie franchise, bringing it a more sustained balance. The Atlanta Hawks did not finish the regular season well with 3 defeats in the last 4 duels, but they won the one that ensured the place in the Play-offs at home against the Cleveland Cavaliers 124-102. Atlanta, in its last two Play-off campaigns, played in the Eastern Conference final and lost in the first round, in 2021 and 2023 respectively. 

The Detroit Pistons 60 wins - 22 losses almost finished better this year than I.Thomas' Bad Boys team whose franchise record acquired during the 1988-89 season still stands. Leaders of the Eastern Conference, Cade Cunningham's partners pulled off quite a surprise, who were expected around 5th place and remain the big favorites from the start of this series against the Orlando Magic. Although Detroit finally secured 1st place after a success on Sunday April 5 against the 76ers 93-116, they won their last 3 games with a quality team against the Bucks 137-111, Hornets 100-118 and Pacers 121-133. Going through the Play-in before making the Play-offs, can we consider that the Orlando Magic have had a great 2025-26 season? No. Expectations were very high around the young core Wagner and Banchero into which a boy like D.Bane was grafted last summer. The difficulties facing the Orlando Magic in trying to turn a corner are the same. Eliminated in 2023-24 in the 1st round by the Cavaliers 4-3, eliminated in 2024-25 by the Celtics 4-1, Orlando must advance from the first round. As a reminder, after a setback in the 7th against 8th match against the 76ers 109-97, the Florida team saved its skin by winning against the Charlotte Hornets 121-90 in order to win the precious sesame.