The Cleveland Cavaliers will open the 2025-26 season as perhaps the favorite to win the Eastern Conference. With a veteran group returning, including the "Core 4" of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, Cleveland brings back not only a talented team, but a team with a lot of playoff experience. The Cavaliers were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers last season, with the Pacers advancing to the NBA finals before being ousted by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Cleveland was the only Eastern Conference team to beat OKC in the regular season. With significant injuries to Tyrese Halliburton of Indiana, and Jayson Tatum of Boston, the Cavaliers could be looked upon as the team that could finally live up to the expectations as the favorite to win the East. Coach of the Year Kenny Atkinson returns to lead the Wine and Gold. Among the newcomers to the roster include Lonzo Ball, Thomas Bryant, Killian Hayes, and Larry Nance Jr.
Cleveland went 64-18 last season, good for the #1 seed in the East, and if the team can withstand any significant injuries, should be in line to win 60-65 games once again.
