The Knicks are still favorites in the East.
The New York Knicks are poised to become the first repeat champions in the NBA since the 2017-18 Golden State Warriors after retaining the majority of their 2026 championship roster through what could have been a detrimental free agency period for the state of their roster.
With the season quickly approaching, the Knicks are nearing full strength and even though the competition around them in the Eastern Conference has rapidly improved, the Knicks still look like the leaders of the pack and a recent projection from ESPN backs up that perception.
In a recent article published by ESPN, the Knicks were picked to win the Eastern Conference by a resounding margin, with the Philadelphia 76ers coming in second in the projection.
New York Knicks fans seen reaching towards New York Knicks guard Miles McBride during the New York Knicks Championship Parade through the Canyon of Heroes. Brenden Willsch-Imagn ImagesStocks Are High on the Knicks
Following the 76ers were the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons tied for third and the Indiana Pacers, a bit of a dark horse but also a team that's looking forward to a healthy season from Tyrese Haliburton, are projected as fifth-most likely with the Cleveland Cavaliers least likely.
ESPN in particular has been optimistic about the Knicks across the board for next season, projecting them to finish first in the Eastern Conference during the regular season as well, but their projection of New York at the top of the playoffs makes even more sense than the regular season optimism does.
New York Knicks guard Kevin McCullar Jr. (9) celebrates during the Knicks championship ticker tape parade up the Canyon of Heroes in downtown Manhattan. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesThe Knicks finished third in the Eastern Conference during last regular season and after some trouble against the Atlanta Hawks in the first round, they took off on the greatest playoff winning streak the NBA has ever seen, winning 13-straight games and sweeping both the 76ers and the Cavaliers in the process.
Why They Can Replicate Success
While it may be tough to predict the Knicks to have a winning streak like that again, what they proved without question is that in high-stress situations, there's no one better.
New York Knicks forward Og Anunoby (M) is interviewed by ESPN broadcaster Ernie Johnson (L) during the championship trophy ceremony after game five of the 2026 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesThat is an crucial and intangible skill and even though the conference around them has gotten much better, especially the 76ers after their additions of Jaylen Brown and LeBron James, the Knicks ability to topple juggernauts isn't likely to fail them anytime soon.
Of course, the playoffs are anyone's game and the unpredictability that's intrinsic to the format means that all it takes is the right team to get hot at the right time and they can run away with the whole thing.
As the Knicks proved last season and could prove again, that kind of hot streak is right in their wheelhouse.
