The Eastern Conference of the NBA was officially formed in 1970, following the merger between the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the American Basketball Association (ABA). This merger marked a significant moment in the league’s history, unifying the two major basketball leagues and strengthening the NBA’s presence in the eastern part of the United States.

The Eastern Conference is divided into three divisions, each comprising five teams. These divisions are the Atlantic Division, the Central Division, and the Southeast Division. Let’s take a closer look at the teams that make up each division:

Atlantic Division

This division consists of some of the most iconic and historically successful teams in NBA history. The teams in the Atlantic Division are the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Toronto Raptors.

Central Division

This division features a mix of competitive teams. The Central Division includes the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, and Milwaukee Bucks.

Southeast Division

The Southeast Division comprises teams from the southeastern part of the United States. The teams in this division are the Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, and Washington Wizards.

Best and Worst Records (82 games):

Over the years, Eastern Conference teams have set numerous records, both good and bad, that have left a lasting impact on the NBA.

Worst Regular-Season Record by Eastern conference Team

The worst record in NBA history for an Eastern Conference team dates back to the 1972–1973 season when the Philadelphia 76ers finished with a dismal 9-73 record. If we fast forward to the 2015–2016 season, the 76ers went one game better and finished with a woeful 10-72 record. Meaning the 76ers hold the worst and second–worst record ever amongst their eastern conference counterparts.

The Best Regular-Season Record By Eastern Conference Team

On the brighter side, the Eastern Conference has also seen remarkable success. The best regular-season record by an Eastern Conference team since the NBA’s establishment was achieved by the 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls, led by the iconic duo of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. They ended the regular season with an impressive 72-10 record.

Eastern Conference Dynasties

The Eastern Conference has been home to several iconic NBA dynasties, each leaving a lasting mark on the league’s history:

Boston Celtics

The Celtics, with their storied history, have been the most successful team in the Eastern Conference. Led by legendary players like Bill Russell, Larry Bird, and Paul Pierce, the Celtics have won an astounding 17 NBA championships. Their remarkable championship runs have solidified their status as one of the league’s most iconic franchises.

Chicago Bulls

The 1990s Bulls, with Michael Jordan at the helm, are widely considered one of the greatest dynasties in sports history. They secured six NBA championships in an eight-year span, creating a basketball legacy that remains unrivaled. Jordan’s sheer dominance and the leadership of coach Phil Jackson turned the Bulls into a basketball powerhouse.

Miami Heat

The Heat, led by the “Big Three” of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, were a force to be reckoned with in the early 2010s. They made four consecutive NBA Finals appearances from 2011 to 2014, winning two championships in the process. Their success showcased the power of star-studded rosters in the Eastern Conference.

The Eastern Conference of the NBA has a rich history that spans over five decades. From its formation in 1970 to its three divisions and the teams that make up those divisions, the Eastern Conference has played a pivotal role in the league’s development. It has seen some remarkable records, both highs and lows, and has been home to some of the most iconic basketball dynasties in the history of the sport. As the NBA continues to evolve, the Eastern Conference remains a crucible of talent, competition, and unforgettable basketball moments.

Last Updated: October 16th 2023