Cleveland Cavaliers Get New Win-Loss Projection After NBA Schedule Release

The NBA released the 2025-26 schedule, with the Cleveland Cavaliers entering the season with heightened expectations following their best regular season since 2009. After a disappointing playoff exit against the Indiana Pacers, the team aims to rebound with clear championship aspirations.

Bleacher Report projects the Cavaliers to finish 57-25, securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Analyst Andy Bailey suggests last season's performance may have been an outlier, noting that despite swapping Ty Jerome for the injury-prone Lonzo Ball, Cleveland remains positioned for dominance due to their continuity and talent.

The Cavaliers' strength stems from their starting lineup featuring four All-Star caliber players: Darius Garland (25), Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley (24), and Jarrett Allen. The youth of Garland and Mobley indicates potential for further growth, reinforcing expectations of consecutive regular-season success.

While the projected 57 wins slightly trails last season's total, it would secure homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs. Bailey contends this outcome appears highly probable given the Eastern Conference landscape, where only the Knicks, Magic, and possibly Hawks pose credible challenges. The Celtics and Pacers are expected to regress, while other teams face significant roster limitations.

Cleveland maintains core roster stability with minimal rotation changes, preserving their foundational quartet. Combined with accumulated playoff experience, these factors create favorable conditions for a potential championship breakthrough this season.