Cleveland Cavaliers 2026-2027 guide

The biggest change for the Cleveland Cavaliers last year came with Garland’s departure and Harden’s arrival, a move that sparked plenty of discussion because of his defensive performance in the Playoffs. This year, the Cavs have kept their core intact while adding a few interesting players for one last run at the title.

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Key players

At a lower price than in past seasons, Evan Mobley (F, 14.0 cr) and Jarrett Allen (C, 12.5 cr) remain one of the most intriguing duos from a Dunkest perspective: plenty of physicality, strong rebounding presence and the potential to record a double-double practically every night.

Potential Surprises

In a starting lineup that is already well established, it is difficult to find real surprises, so we are looking not only at the bench but also at the Draft. Meleek Thomas (G, 6.0 cr) could start quietly, but the lack of high-level alternatives at point guard, with only Craig Porter Jr. and Tyrese Proctor ahead of him in the pecking order, could open up minutes and, as a result, some interesting value gains.

Oh, and one more thing: he also finished his four Summer League games averaging 27.2 points per game.

Players to avoid

Despite the appeal of being listed as a guard and his strong rebounding ability, Peyton Watson (G, 8.5 cr) has already shown that, as useful as he may be to the team, his biggest Dunkest scores mostly come when he can take advantage of teammates being unavailable.

In a starting five where Mobley and Allen will grab a large share of the rebounds, while Harden and Mitchell will handle much of the assist production, Watson could struggle to find enough statistical opportunities to justify his price.

Projected starting five

PG: James Harden (Guard, 14.0 Credits)

SG: Donovan Mitchell (Guard, 14.0 Credits)

SF: Peyton Watson (Guard, 8.5 Credits)

PF: Evan Mobley (Forward, 14.0 Credits)

C: Jarrett Allen (Center, 12.5 Credits)

Power Ranking

With the Pistons, Celtics and Knicks looking to confirm their status and the Raptors, Pacers and Sixers ready to compete, the Cavs risk going from a team built to challenge at the top to one fighting between fourth and seventh place.

Their main rivals enter the season stronger and with fewer issues than they had last year. If Cleveland truly wants to remain in the race near the top of the Eastern Conference, it will have to show its claws this season.

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