Eastern Conference 6th seed: Toronto Raptors
You really have to feel for the Raptors. They went after Kawhi Leonard in an effort to bring those glory days back to Toronto, only to have the trade held up by the NBA's investigation into his dealings with the Clippers. It really feels like the league should have wrapped that up by now.
If the Leonard trade doesn't go through, the Raptors will head into 2026-2027 with largely the same team they had last year. In that scenario, the main difference will hopefully be a healthy Brandon Ingram. Again, assuming the Leonard trade doesn't happen and Ingram is still on the team.
They'll likely make the top six in the East this season, but even having Leonard might not improve their outlook too much. Bringing him back doesn't address their massive problem at the five. They need a new center badly, yet let another team sign 7'5" Jamarion Sharp after the Summer League.
Toronto has to be hoping the Colin Murray-Boyles can pick up some serious minutes at the five because Jakob Poeltl is not getting the job done. Without a new, impactful center and/or Leonard, the Raptors will make the playoffs as the sixth seed in the East and not much further.
Eastern Conference 5th seed: Orlando Magic
Before we get into the Magic, let me be clear that the Boston Celtics aren't on this Eastern Conference list anywhere. Trading for Jaylen Brown for Paul George was the front office's way of saying that they've basically given up on trying to win a title with this roster. At some point, they'll enter a legit rebuild process. Now, back to the Orlando Magic.
Last season's version of the Magic was actually a really good team. They were just held back by several injuries to key players. Franz Wagner being out in the playoffs definitely cost them in a big way, as they had the Pistons in their sights until he went down. For the most part, the Magic should be able to run it back this season with a healthier squad and do better in the postseason.
Orlando did lose both Moritz Wagner and Jett Howard to free agency, as well as hiring new head coach Sean Sweeney. At the same time, the core remains intact, meaning there's still real potential in this team. Last season was a Play-In battle to even face the Pistons in the first round. This season, the Magic are going to be one of the top teams in the East.
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