NBA 2026 Eastern Conference Odds: Can the Pistons Make the Leap?
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Spread Astaire
- July 14, 2025
Top NBA Pick: Detroit Pistons to Win the Eastern Conference (+1200) at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
The NBA Eastern Conference has always had to fight for its respect. It is oftentimes considered to be the weaker conference in the NBA.
The Eastern Conference was starting to make moves this season but two catastrophic injuries during the postseason have made this conference look much weaker—though top sportsbooks now see it as wide open for almost anyone to win. With that in mind, many teams are making moves to try and make this year their year, due to the easier path it will take to reach the NBA Finals.
Which team will rise to the top of the conference and be the winning NBA pick?
2026 NBA Eastern Conference Odds
Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons were a lottery team two seasons ago and made the first round of the playoffs this year. Normally, you would think it would be at least one more season of growth before they were able to become an NBA Finals team; however, in this weakened Eastern Conference, the Pistons do have a chance to make the leap sooner than most teams.
In the first round, the Detroit Pistons acquitted themselves well, pushing New York to the brink and having a legitimate chance to win the series. Now the team will improve as the core of their team is young.
The Pistons do not even need to make roster moves to improve; the fact that their young players will get better will be significant improvement enough. However, the Pistons do sense their opportunity, and roster moves are on the horizon.
The Detroit Pistons added scoring to their lineup this offseason. They signed Caris LeVert. LeVert is an excellent half court scorer. He can be vulnerable on defense, however, the Pistons have enough strong defenders to make up for his lack of defensive ability. Levert will help provide half court creation that was severely lacking last season.
Minor Moves, Major Impact
Another way the Pistons increased their scoring punch was the sign and trade deal for Duncan Robinson. While Robinson does not create on offense like Levert, he is a lethal three-point shooter that will space the floor and help the Pistons on offense.
The addition of Robinson will directly affect Cade Cunningham because it will give him more room to operate. This is another move that shows that the Pistons are satisfied in their ability to play defense but know that they need more scoring punch to compete with the top teams.
The Pistons also get a boost with Jaden Ivey returning from injury. Ivey is one of the most athletic players in the league, and the ability to create in the half court and push the tempo in a fast break will help the team immensely. Just with these minor moves around the edges the Pistons have made themselves contenders.
Normally, I would think the Pistons will need at least one more season in order to contend but because of the fact that every single team in the East now has flaws, the Pistons are a serious contender to make the NBA Finals. When placing a bet at this time of the year we’re expecting a lucrative return. Take the Detroit Pistons to win the NBA Eastern Conference.
NBA Pick: Detroit Pistons to Win the Eastern Conference (+1200) at BetOnline
Where to Bet on the NBA
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$750 Cash Bonus
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1994
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20% Cash Bonus
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55% Cash Bonus
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2001
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$250 Free Bet
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2001
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$500 Cash Bonus
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1983
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Milwaukee Bucks
When you have the best player in the conference, you have to be considered a serious contender to win that conference. Although the Bucks do have multiple roster problems, they can make moves around the edges to help make themselves more competitive.
The Bucks already did so by getting younger at the center position acquiring Myles Turner from the Indiana Pacers. Before, the Bucks had center Brook Lopez roam in the paint with a great ability to block shots and knock down threes.
Not surprisingly, Turner does the same exact things. The Bucks have gotten younger at a key position and will not need to change the philosophy of how they approach the game.
Milwaukee’s Not Done Yet
My guess is the Bucks are not done making moves. When you have the best player in the conference, you need to try to win now. The East is wide open, and the Bucks will use all their assets to acquire more players. Get this price now before the team gets better and the league sees what the Bucks will bring to the table.
The major concern with the Bucks is the coaching of Doc Rivers. Rivers is a great coach, but the game has passed him by, and he’s not the coach that he was 15 years ago when he was able to win the title. However, due to the talent on this team, it’s still worth it at this huge longshot price. We’re going to get another price with a huge potential payout. Take the Milwaukee Bucks to win the Eastern Conference.
NBA Pick: Milwaukee Bucks to Win the Eastern Conference (+2000) at BetOnline
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
