The Cleveland Cavaliers finished with the best record in the Eastern Conference last season, and second-best in the league. They were one of three teams to win 60-plus games. While the Cavs surprised many people last season, it seems like they are finally getting their respect. According to the betting odds, the Cavaliers are the top contender in the East.
Betting Odds Reveal the Early Eastern Conference Favorite for 2025-26
The latest odds show that the road to the NBA Finals in 2026 will run through Cleveland. Per the latest betting odds at Bovada, the Cavaliers are the favorite to win the East at +250, followed by the New York Knicks at +275. Despite losing Jayson Tatum to an Achilles injury, the Boston Celtics are tied for third with the Orlando Magic at +600. The remaining four teams that will probably make the playoffs are the Indiana Pacers at +1100, the Philadelphia 76ers at +1200, the Detroit Pistons at +1500, and the Milwaukee Bucks at +1600.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are currently the favorites to win the East next season, per @BovadaOfficial
Cleveland Cavaliers: +250
New York Knicks: +275
Boston Celtics: +600
Orlando Magic: +600
Indiana Pacers: +1100
Philadelphia 76ers: +1200
Detroit Pistons: +1500
Milwaukee Bucks:… pic.twitter.com/mHU8hqookf— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 23, 2025
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The Cavs’ Two-Year Window
The Cavaliers will enter next season as a team over the second apron unless they manage to shed some salary. Almost their entire team is signed through 2026-27, with top reserves Ty Jerome and Sam Merrill being the two exceptions. Right now, the Cavs have a projected salary of $217 million for next season. Projections for the 2025-26 season are that the first apron will be at $195 million and the second apron at $207 million.
With injuries to Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton, next season might be the best chance Cleveland will have to win the Eastern Conference since the days of LeBron James. There were rumors that the Cavs might try to break up their core of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, and Donovan Mitchell. But so far, nothing has materialized. Their biggest challenge will be to find a way to retain Jerome, a crucial bench member during their 2024-25 season.
Cavaliers’ Biggest Foes Are Out
Nobody is happy to see a player go out with an injury. But the Cavaliers should feel relieved that this year, they will not have to face Haliburton and Tatum. The Celtics and Pacers were the two teams giving Cleveland the biggest trouble.
The Cavs dominated matchups against the Knicks, Bucks, and Pistons, but had challenges with the Pacers and Celtics. The only other team that was a challenge for Cleveland was the Orlando Magic. They were a tough out in the 2023 playoffs, and they present some matchup problems. With Boston shedding salary and the Pacers without their floor general, this will be the chance Cleveland gets to make it to the Finals.
The Cavs Have a Winning Formula
Last season, the Cavs found a formula that worked. They played eight to ten guys during the regular season, with only three players averaging 30 or more minutes. The idea was to have guys ready and rested for the playoffs. But then injuries hampered them, with Garland having trouble with his toe. Nevertheless, the Cavs should use the same formula and hope for better results this year. The playoffs showed that the teams with the deeper bench go further.
Featured image: © Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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