The Cavaliers had visions of a championship when they signed Donovan Mitchell in 2022. Those have not materialized in the three years he has been a Cavalier, but they seem to be as close as they have been. They won 60 games last year for the first time since 2010. Young pieces like Evan Mobley and Darius Garland took a step forward, and the Cavaliers were in lock-step with the Thunder because of it. Unfortunately, they had the same demise as everyone but the eventual champions, as injuries and destiny
saw them lose to the Pacers in the second round.
Cleveland has to be telling themselves that this is the year they can get over the hump. The East is wide open; the Pacers and Celtics are undermanned, and there are a lot of bad teams in the conference. The Cavaliers are returning all of their starters, have an experienced head coach, and are hungry from the underwhelming playoff performances of recent memory. If anyone is going to beat the Thunder, the Cavaliers may be the best team to give them a run for their money.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Over/Under 56.5 Wins (-104/-118)
Last Season: 64-18
Additions: Larry Nance Jr.
Losses: N/A
Cleveland is second to Oklahoma City (+210) in championship odds at +700. They were number one last year in offensive rating (121.7) and eighth in defensive rating (112.2). This was an elite team a year ago, and they have all the continuity you can ask for. Guys won’t have to learn a new offense, a new defense, or adapt to any new roles. They will be humming from the jump, and should build on a great season with an even better one in 2026.
