NBA Playoffs 2026: New York Knicks are new favorite to win the Eastern Conference
TL;DR
The New York Knicks have become the favorite to win the Eastern Conference after defeating the Atlanta Hawks in six games. They now hold the best odds at +150, surpassing other teams like the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Key points
- New York Knicks are now the favorite to win the Eastern Conference
- Knicks defeated the Atlanta Hawks in six games
- Knicks have the best odds at +150
- Boston Celtics lost to the 76ers after leading 3-1
- Other contenders include Pistons and Cavaliers
It was only a short time ago that the New York Knicks were down 2-1 in their first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks and it seemed as if the sky was falling for Knicks fans. New York turned the series around and won in six games, though, including a historic 140-89 blowout win in Game 6.
Now, the Knicks are the favorite to win the Eastern Conference at sportsbooks.
New York has the best odds (+150) of any team to make the NBA Finals from the East, ahead of the Detroit Pistons (+250), Cleveland Cavaliers (+325) and Philadelphia 76ers (+600).
The Knicks take over the top spot on the Eastern Conference odds board because the Boston Celtics — the highest power-rated team in the East by oddsmakers heading into the postseason and the previous favorite — lost to the 76ers in seven games after having a 3-1 series lead.
Because of Boston’s loss, the Knicks get to take on the 76ers (instead of the Celtics) and are a -250 favorite in the series.
In the other Eastern Conference semifinal series, the No. 1 seed Pistons are slight -120 favorites against the No. 4 seed Cavaliers. Both teams won in Game 7s on Sunday, with Detroit overcoming a 3-1 series deficit against the Orlando Magic.
The Knicks are 7.5-point home favorites in Game 1 on Monday night against the 76ers. New York hasn’t made the NBA Finals since 1999, when they lost to the San Antonio Spurs in five games.
Q&A
What are the current odds for the New York Knicks to win the Eastern Conference?
The New York Knicks have the best odds at +150 to win the Eastern Conference.
How did the New York Knicks turn their playoff series around against the Atlanta Hawks?
The Knicks were down 2-1 but won the series in six games, including a historic 140-89 victory in Game 6.
Which team was the previous favorite to win the Eastern Conference before the Knicks?
The Boston Celtics were the previous favorite but lost to the Philadelphia 76ers after leading the series 3-1.
