Predicting where the Pacers will finish in the Eastern Conference next season

2. New York Knicks

The New York Knicks finished the 2023-24 season as a surprising No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. Heading into the season, not many had the Knicks finishing as a top-two team in the conference. And as the season went on, this continued to be the case.

All season long, the Knicks dealt with multiple injuries. This includes an injury to All-Star forward Julius Randle, who missed the entire second half of last season, including the playoffs. Still, despite dealing with injuries, the Knicks, led by guard Jalen Brunson, ended the season with a 50-32 record. This was their best record since the 2012-13 season.

Ultimately, the Knicks eventually lost to the Pacers in the second round of last year's playoffs in seven games after blowing a 2-0 series lead. Still, their performance last season was impressive, and they should continue to be a top team in the conference.

This summer, the Knicks re-signed Precious Achiuwa and OG Anunoby. They also extended Brunson to a four-year, $156.5 million contract extension. Furthermore, the Knicks shockingly traded for wing Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets, who should provide a major boost to the team.

On the flip side, the Knicks did lose some key role players like Isaiah Hartenstein, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Alec Burks. Regardless, the moves they made this summer, and with Randle's return, the Knicks should be a top team in the East once next season.