The Boston Celtics are the favorites to win the NBA title next season, and that should be the case until proven otherwise given how dominant Boston was during the 2024 playoffs.
Some teams in the Eastern Conference have loaded up on talent this summer to try and match the Celtics next year. Other teams, like the Cleveland Cavaliers or Indiana Pacers will be competitive once again, but probably have hit their ceiling. It will take a special blend of talent, depth, and luck to overcome Boston, after all. We have been ranking the biggest competitors to the Celtics in the East next year, and alongside the obvious and marquee clubs still to come on our list is a young and athletic group with lots of upside. Fresh off of a plucky but failed postseason effort, the Orlando Magic are going to try and break some hearts next season.
Let’s take a closer look at the Magic, team No. 4 in Celtics Wire’s ranking of Boston’s most formidable foes in the conference.