The New York Knicks have emerged as the leading favorites to win the Eastern Conference in the 2026-27 NBA season, according to the league’s annual General Manager Survey.
The defending NBA champions received 60% of first-place votes from executives, comfortably ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers, who finished second with 23%.
The results mark a change from last season, when 63% of general managers predicted the Cleveland Cavaliers would finish atop the Eastern Conference.
New York exceeded expectations during the 2025-26 campaign, defeating the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals to claim the championship.
Meanwhile, San Antonio dominated another important category in this year’s survey.
The Spurs received 87% of the votes for the NBA’s most promising young core, reflecting the confidence executives have in the franchise’s developing talent.
San Antonio’s young group includes Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper, who are 22, 21 and 20 years old, respectively.
MORE FOR YOU
The Spurs also received the most votes to win the 2027 NBA championship, finishing ahead of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
San Antonio collected 50% of championship votes, while Oklahoma City received 43%, leaving the Knicks and 76ers as the only Eastern Conference teams mentioned.
Although the Western Conference is expected to produce the next champion, New York enters the season as the clear favorite in the East.
