Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective: "Eastern Conference Tiers Preview"

Date: October 13, 2025
Host(s): Brian Windhorst, Tim Bontemps, Tim McMahon (ESPN NBA Insiders)

Episode Overview

In this lively episode, Brian Windhorst, Tim Bontemps, and Tim McMahon break down the Eastern Conference ahead of the NBA season by sorting all teams into competitive "tiers." They debate the 2025-26 outlook for each franchise, discussing recent preseason action, major injuries, depth, and the big unknowns—often veering into passionate arguments about tier placement. The conversation also includes bold predictions (including a surprise All-NBA pick), injury updates, and behind-the-scenes banter about the business of NBA podcasting.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Early Preseason and NBA Excitement

• Preseason standouts and narratives:

  • Windhorst shares rare excitement for a preseason Clippers vs. Nuggets game, noting both teams' sharpness ("I got energized for the season just based on that first half" - Windhorst, 04:00).
  • Kawhi Leonard looks "terrific," and Ivica Zubac earns a Windhorst All-NBA prediction after a dominant stretch ("Zubots looks awesome. We got..." - Windhorst, 04:50).

• Player concerns:

  • Worries around Klay Thompson and D’Angelo Russell’s defensive viability as a backcourt (McMahon, 06:07).
  • Positive notes on Aaron Gordon and Cam Johnson for the Nuggets; comments on volume three-point shooting.

2. The Joel Embiid & Sixers Update (08:38–11:07)

• Embiid unexpectedly participates in open scrimmage, offering cautious optimism for Philly fans about his health.
• Bontemps: "If the team is just solid and wins 40 some games and Joel plays 55 or 60 games, that's going to be a success for a lot of people."
• Discussion of Sixers’ lowered expectations after a turbulent past season.

3. Previews & Injury Updates (13:14–16:01)

• Jalen Williams (Thunder) is likely to miss the start of the season but expects to meet the 65-game minimum for award eligibility.
• Discussion about how teams handle early injuries and preseason performances.

4. Defining the Tiers: Eastern Conference Sorting

Tier 1: True Contenders (20:04–27:14)

• All hosts agree:

  • New York Knicks
  • Cleveland Cavaliers

• Exclusion of the Celtics due to Jason Tatum's long Achilles rehab, and heavy roster turnover:

  • "You can't reasonably expect Jason Tatum to come back in All-NBA form this season." (McMahon, 20:39)
  • "Even if he does...they still lost [several key players] and replaced none of them." (Bontemps, 21:01)

• Knicks: The next move, like a potential Mikal Bridges acquisition, could tip the balance, but expectations are high.

• Cavs: Health is key, with special concern about Max Strus (Jones fracture), DeAndre Hunter’s knees, and Dean Wade. But a foundation of Mobley and Mitchell puts them atop the conference.

Tier 2: Young Teams on the Rise (27:52–35:06)

• Consensus:

  • Orlando Magic
  • Atlanta Hawks
  • Detroit Pistons (after debate; Windhorst includes, Bontemps is hesitant)

• Orlando’s outlook hinges on Jalen Suggs’ health.

• Atlanta features a deep, veteran-supported roster and key "ascendant" talent in Jalen Johnson.

• Detroit’s rise will depend on continued ascension from Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, and Asar Thompson.

Tier 3: Large Bubble—Potential Playoff Teams, High Variability (35:18–46:02)

• Teams whose success is highly dependent on health and development:

  • Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis MVP-level necessity, unsure point guard rotation, thinner supporting cast.
  • Miami Heat: Added Norm Powell and expect Bam Adebayo bounce-back; Tyler Herro’s injury is a concern.
  • Boston Celtics & Indiana Pacers: Seen as "gap year boys"; Boston is banking on internal improvement, Indiana lost key stars and is heavily dependent on emergent young talent.
  • Philadelphia 76ers: Ceiling depends on Embiid and Paul George staying healthy.

• Much debate over Toronto’s placement, with Bontemps much higher on the Raptors than his co-hosts.

• Bontemps: "If you just are able to field a full roster every night, you're going to pick up a bunch of wins." (54:17)

Tier 4: Play-In/On the Bubble (46:25–54:07)

• Chicago Bulls: Centerpiece of this tier, expected to range between 39–40 wins again.
• Toronto Raptors: Bontemps argues for their top-6 potential, hosts remain skeptical. Their deep but unstarred roster sees them competing directly with the Bulls.

Tier 5: Tanking or Rebuilding (55:44–62:19)

• Brooklyn Nets: Ownership and coach all but openly admit to a tank/rebuild; playing numerous first-round picks. ("So you can predict what kind of strategy we will use for this season." — Nets owner Joe Tsai, 56:13)
• Washington Wizards
• Charlotte Hornets: Difference is “cornerstone potential” with their recent high draft picks.
• LaMelo Ball's future as a franchise face is again in question:
  • "I just don't think [he] can be the face of a winning franchise... shot selection is atrocious...defensively he doesn't care." (McMahon, 61:04)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Windhorst’s Zubac All-NBA Take (04:42):
  "Zubots looks awesome. We got...If it's a Zubot, let him cook, big man...Zubots will be a top three center in the NBA."

  • (Later challenged: "If Zubots is not All-NBA, Windy has to take a coach flight to LA." – McMahon, 65:34)

• Bontemps on Sixers’ new reality (08:38):
  "If the team is just solid and wins 40-some games and Joel plays 55 or 60 games, that's going to be a success for a lot of people..."

• McMahon’s take on Hornets & LaMelo Ball (61:04):
  "He is a mega talent who I just don't think can be the face of a winning franchise. That's not considered a controversial opinion within the league... the shot selection is atrocious, defensively he doesn't care."

• On the Bulls’ perpetual mediocrity (53:10):
  "The 25-26 Bulls: Fighting for 10th."

• On the Raptors’ roster and ceiling (54:12, Bontemps):
  "We got a lot of okay players."

• On the Nets’ Rebuild (56:15, Owner Joe Tsai):
  "We have 1 pick in 2026 and we hope to get a good pick. So you can predict what kind of strategy we will use this season."

• Bontemps on the volatility and upside of Tier 3 (45:09):
  "If Joel Embiid is healthy and Paul George is healthy. They're better than the Raptors. But if those guys are hurt, especially Joel Embiid because the Sixers have no size, then...they're going to really struggle."

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:47 — LA preseason, Clippers-Nuggets, early excitement
• 08:38 — Joel Embiid/Sixers scrimmage & outlook
• 13:14 — Jalen Williams injury, award eligibility rules
• 20:04 — Beginning of Eastern Conference tiers discussion, Tier 1 debate
• 27:52 — Young "ascent" teams, arguments for Magic/Hawks/Pistons
• 35:18 — Bubble teams and expanded Tier 3, deep dives on Bucks, Heat, Celtics
• 46:25 — Play-in contenders, Chicago’s mediocrity, Toronto debate
• 55:44 — Tanking discussion: Nets, Hornets, Wizards
• 61:04 — Hornets’ player development problems, LaMelo Ball deep dive
• 65:34 — Lighthearted Zubac prediction bet, episode close

Tone and Highlights

The episode is characteristically conversational, with playful arguing about rankings, running jokes about “tiers,” plus strong ESPN NBA reporting.
The hosts’ willingness to challenge each other brings out frank takes on injury risks, roster flaws, and potential breakout candidates.
Windhorst earns the episode’s most viral clip with his impulsive Zubac All-NBA take, and Bontemps stands his ground on the Raptors’ mid-tier potential despite heavy skepticism from his co-hosts.

Conclusion & What’s Next

The Eastern Conference is as uncertain as ever: two clear favorites (Knicks, Cavs), a handful of dynamic young teams, and a huge middle class with as many questions as answers.
The episode teases a Western Conference tiers preview coming up next, with more bets, wild predictions, and regional banter sure to follow.