Docs Website

53 Years Strong! A Trusted Leader In Sports Picks, Best Bets and Predictions Since 1971.

Main Menu

2025-26 Cleveland Cavaliers Predictions and Odds to Win NBA Finals

by Spencer Toth - 9/30/2025

Cleveland Cavaliers predictions Donovan Mitchell

The Cleveland Cavaliers secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference last season for the first time since the LeBron James era. However, after being unable to follow it up with postseason success, the Cavaliers are hungry once again to claim the top spot. This is an incredibly talented team with minimal other polished contenders to deal with in the Eastern Conference. The Cavaliers are the odds-on favorites to win the East, and will this be the season they can finally get over the hump without LeBron?

Doc’s Sports offers NBA expert picks for every game on our NBA predictions page.

Offseason Recap

The Cavaliers finished with a 64-18 record last season, and didn’t feel as though their squad needed too much tinkering in the offseason. They strung together 12, 14, and 15 wins in a row on three separate occasions, and appear poised to replicate that success this season. Their biggest offseason acquisition was Lonzo Ball from the Chicago Bulls. Ball spent the last two and a half seasons on the sidelines with a series of left knee injuries. His health remains a concern, but he has already proven how effective he can be when he’s on the court. He posted a lackluster 8/3/3 statline last season, but a serious minutes restriction was a big factor in those numbers. He is the perfect player for Cleveland off the bench, and can play multiple positions for the Eastern Conference leaders. The Cavaliers retained their nine most-used players from last season, making small changes to their third unit. Ty Jerome and Isaac Okoro were sent packing, while Larry Nance Jr. and Killian Hayes entered the fray in Cleveland. 

Season Expectations

It’s NBA Finals or bust. The Eastern Conference has never been more wide-open, and if the Cavaliers don’t reach the NBA Finals this season will be a disappointment no matter how you slice it. Cleveland has already shown they have the talent to claim the top seed, and now it has to back it up with success in April and May. The Celtics and Pacers are both riddled with injuries, the Bucks and 76ers have a lack of talent around their MVP candidates, and the Knicks lack the depth needed to make a deep playoff run. The Cavaliers are rightfully confident heading into the season. 

Cleveland had their 2023-24 campaign derailed by injuries, and there was plenty of optimism that the 2024-25 playoffs would bring it tangible success. However, they got ice-cold from deep against the Pacers in the second round. Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland are two of the best guards in the game, and their backcourt partnership has been impressive to watch. Garland is the primary ball handler against a set defense and almost always makes the right decision for the Cavaliers. His seven assists led the team, while his 21 PPG trailed only Mitchell. While Mitchell and Garland are often grouped as one, the duo plays very different styles of offense. Mitchell can effectively create his own shot off the dribble and does a good job spacing the court for his teammates. Mitchell can also slot into point guard when Garland is on the bench, and his length gives defenses a different look at that position. 

While the Cavaliers' offense is well-rounded and beyond impressive, it was their defense that really set them apart. Evan Mobley won DPOY for the first time in his career, edging out Dyson Daniels for the award. Mobley is one of five 23-year-olds tied for the youngest players to win DPOY. His ability to clog passing lanes and play isolation defense in the open court is a rare combination in the NBA. Jarrett Allen was the primary center for Cleveland, but Mobley led the team with 1.6 blocks per game. Allen and Mobley clog the paint, while Mitchell and Garland run the offense. That chemistry makes the Cavaliers the Eastern Conference team to beat heading into the new season. 

Cleveland Cavaliers Schedule Breakdown

The Cavaliers open up the season with a road game at MSG, followed by the Nets, Pistons, and Celtics on the road, with the Bucks at home. It’s a tough start for Cleveland, but they are rewarded with 10 of their next 13 at home. Their NBA Cup campaign tips off on Halloween against the Raptors, while they are also in a group with the Hawks, Pacers, and Wizards. Other highlights include the Knicks on Christmas Day, while their longest road trip is in early February with a five-game West Coast trip.

Cleveland Cavaliers Odds

The Cavaliers are -105 favorites to finish with the best record in the Eastern Conference this season. Their win total is a sky-high 56.5 wins, which is a number they flew past last season. While the oddsmakers are relatively certain the Cavaliers will have sustained regular-season success, they are less confident about Cleveland in the playoffs. They are still the East favorites at +220, and have +650 odds to win the NBA championship. 

The unpredictability of the postseason, combined with Cleveland’s recent history of playoff shortcomings, makes these odds justifiable, but far from accurate. There are arguments to be made that 10 of the league’s top 12 teams are playing in the Western Conference, and that is unlikely to change anytime soon. Cleveland has the roster needed to make a deep playoff run; they don’t have many injury-prone players, and all the value is on their postseason success over regular-season results. 
In the NBA Cup, Cleveland is a +115 favorite to win their group, with the Hawks posing the biggest threat to their advancement. A road game in Atlanta is scheduled for their final NBA Cup game, and it could all come down to that matchup if the two teams take care of business against the Pacers, Raptors, and Wizards. 

2025-26 Cleveland Cavaliers Season Predictions and Best Bets

The Cleveland Cavaliers appear to be a lock to finish on top of the Eastern Conference, but the -105 odds don’t offer enough upside for that pick. Instead, take the Cavaliers to go Over 56.5 wins, and you can even sprinkle on 60+ (+200) and 65+ (+700) too. The lack of difficult matchups in the East will make the Cavaliers big favorites on a nightly basis, and they will fly out to big leads early and often. A different contender could always challenge that top spot, but even 60+ wins feels like the floor for the Cavaliers heading into the season. 

While the NBA Cup could have value, a potential winner-take-all road game against the Hawks means the Cavs to win the group at +115, and to win the NBA Cup at +600 doesn’t offer enough upside. Instead, we will happily scoop up the Cavaliers to win the NBA championship at +650. The Western Conference features the stiffer competition, but the Cavaliers will still have a fighting chance at whoever emerges from that gauntlet. While the Cavaliers to win the East at +220 is certainly tempting, the added upside on a season-long bet is almost always my preference. You will always have the chance to hedge your +650 championship pick if you don’t like the Cavaliers Finals matchup. 

Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers Over 56.5 Wins -110

Top Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers 60+ Wins +200

Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers to win the NBA Championship +650

Get NBA picks on every single game, or if you want our very best bet premium picks by the experts, sign up for your free $60 account with a guarantee.

 

Most Recent NBA Handicapping

One E-mail A Week Is All You Need!
Our weekly newsletter is loaded with exclusive free picks,insight and advice from our expert handicappers