The NBA is strong in the west and weak in the east, and the strength of the US media: Lakers and Warriors are three levels, Thunder and Cavaliers are the first level

As the lineup adjustment of each team is coming to an end in the offseason, US media ESPN released an evaluation of the 2025-26 season of the east and west teams. This division divides 30 teams into five to six levels based on transaction dynamics, core lineup changes and injury factors. The Thunder became the only first-tier team in the West, the Cavaliers tied for the first-tier team in the East, while the Lakers and Warriors and other traffic teams ranked in the third level, and the Rockets jumped to the second-tier team in the West due to Durant's joining. Let's take a look at the specific situation:

First-tier: Thunder, Cavaliers and Knicks

As the defending champions, the Thunder retained the core framework of Alexander and Chet Homgren. The return of rookie Topic will further enhance the depth of the substitute, and its offensive and defensive efficiency (both the top three in the league last season) and playoff experience have become the core basis for the division. It is reasonable for the team to be classified as the first level.

The Cavaliers retained the quad-core lineup of Garland, Mitchell, Mobley and Allen, and introduced DeRozan to improve their key ball abilities; the lineup thickness after the Knicks changed coach will definitely change the situation last season.

Second level: Rockets, Nuggets, Timberwolves, Magic, 76ers, Hawks

Rockets have introduced superstar Durant through big deals, and also obtained Capela and others. The team's core players have not been lost. In this way, the team's strength has increased greatly. For example, Durant solved the problem of weak scoring at critical moments, Capela improved the inside franchise protection, and with the addition of others, the Rockets will become a favorite to compete for the championship next season.

Nuggets introduced Cameron Johnson, Hardaway Jr. and Valanteus, and their substitute scoring ability has risen from 22nd in the league to the top 10. There is no need to worry about the team's insufficient substitute ability after Jokic is out.

Timberwolves retain Reed and Randall and other Western Conference Finals lineups. The three giants of Towns Edwards Gobert have matured and will definitely go further next season.

Magic introduces Bain and Jones to optimize the space; the Eagles get the Pope God to improve their offense and defense; if the 76ers get rid of injuries (Embid's reimbursement probability is 40%), they can hit the first level.

3rd level: Lakers, Warriors, Clippers, Mavericks, Celtics

‌ Lakers: James and Doncic drive, sign Ayton to make up for the shortcomings in the inside, but the forward defense still relies on 39-year-old James

Warriors: Zero signings in the offseason, Rooney and Payton II leave the team, Curry, Butler and Green are one year older, and their substitute scoring ability falls to United The third from the bottom in the league;

Mavericks: Irving missed most of the regular season games due to injury, and it is doubtful whether Russell can fill the offensive vacancy;

Celtics: Tatum's Achilles tendon ruptured, and his combat power declined during the restructuring period;

Other teams are below the fourth level, and the most regrettable thing is the Pacers. Halliburton is injured and Turner leaves the team, and it falls from the finals to the fourth level, which makes people helpless.

New season pattern outlook: Suspense of the Shura field in the West and the East: The Thunder, Nuggets, Timberwolves and Rockets form a "multi-polar championship matrix", with different styles. If the Knicks break through the tactical limitations, the Cavaliers are expected to meet in the Eastern Conference Finals with DeRozan's key ball ability. However, when playing against the Western Conference team in the finals, ESPN predicted that the probability of winning the Eastern Conference is only 9%, and the top five Western Conferences accounted for 78%. The NBA in the 2025-26 season continues to show the ultimate differentiation of "strong west and weak east". Compared to what you think, welcome to discuss in the comment section!