Central Division
Cleveland Cavaliers
Projected starters: Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen
Outlook: Cleveland aims to make the leap from good to great. The Lonzo Ball trade gives them secondary playmaking and defensive pressure, while Mitchell and Garland remain elite scorers. The frontcourt of Mobley and Allen remains among the league’s best.
Key additions and moves: Traded for Lonzo Ball (sending Isaac Okoro); re-signed Sam Merrill and Larry Nance Jr.; drafted Tyrese Proctor.
Projected leaders: PTS: Mitchell; REB: Allen/Mobley; AST: Garland.
Milwaukee Bucks
Projected starters: Malik Beasley, Pat Connaughton, Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Myles Turner
Outlook: The post-Lillard Bucks are built around Giannis and size. Turner’s arrival strengthens the paint and adds floor spacing. Their ceiling depends on guard play and Middleton’s health.
Key additions and moves: Signed Myles Turner (4-year deal); waived Damian Lillard; traded Pat Connaughton to Charlotte for Vasa Mićić.
Projected leaders: PTS: Giannis; REB: Giannis/Turner; AST: Middleton/Mićić.
Indiana Pacers
Projected starters: Andrew Nembhard, Bennedict Mathurin, Aaron Nesmith, Pascal Siakam, Isaiah Jackson
Outlook: The Pacers are retooling after losing Myles Turner and enduring major injuries to Tyrese Haliburton and T.J. McConnell. Siakam and Mathurin will carry the offense. If they stay afloat until Haliburton’s return, Indiana remains a playoff threat.
Key additions and moves: Traded for Jay Huff; emphasized internal development; adjusted depth after Turner’s departure.
Projected leaders: PTS: Siakam/Mathurin; REB: Jackson; AST: Nembhard.
Chicago Bulls
Projected starters: Coby White, Zach LaVine, Matas Buzelis, Patrick Williams, Nikola Vučević
Outlook: The Bulls are shifting toward a youth movement while maintaining veteran scoring. White’s growth as a playmaker will define their direction. Rookie Matas Buzelis adds size and shooting upside.
Key additions and moves: Re-signed Tre Jones; traded Lonzo Ball to Cleveland for Isaac Okoro; retained Patrick Williams.
Projected leaders: PTS: LaVine/White; REB: Vučević; AST: White.
Detroit Pistons
Projected starters: Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Ausar Thompson, Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart
Outlook: A developmental year built around the young core. Cunningham’s leadership and Ivey’s consistency are vital. Expect incremental improvement but continued growing pains.
Key additions and moves: Signed Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson; re-signed Paul Reed; promoted internal youth.
Projected leaders: PTS: Cunningham; REB: Duren; AST: Cunningham.
Southeast Division
Miami Heat
Projected starters: Terry Rozier, Tyler Herro, Norman Powell, Caleb Martin, Bam Adebayo
Outlook: Miami re-balanced its offense by adding Powell’s perimeter scoring. Spoelstra’s group should again be a tough out if healthy, but the roster’s age shows.
Key additions and moves: Acquired Norman Powell in a three-team trade; added Simone Fontecchio for depth.
Projected leaders: PTS: Herro/Powell; REB: Adebayo; AST: Rozier.
Atlanta Hawks
Projected starters: Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson, Kristaps Porziņģis, Onyeka Okongwu
Outlook: Porziņģis gives the Hawks an elite pick-and-pop weapon. Their success depends on defense and chemistry between Young and Porziņģis.
Key additions and moves: Acquired Kristaps Porziņģis in a three-team trade; signed Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
Projected leaders: PTS: Young/Porziņģis; REB: Okongwu/Porziņģis; AST: Young.
Orlando Magic
Projected starters: Jalen Suggs, Anthony Black, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr.
Outlook: Orlando continues its steady rise. Banchero’s leadership and Wagner’s two-way versatility give the Magic playoff potential.
Key additions and moves: Signed Tyus Jones for veteran stability; retained core roster.
Projected leaders: PTS: Banchero; REB: Carter Jr.; AST: Banchero/Suggs.
Charlotte Hornets
Projected starters: LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Cody Martin, Miles Bridges, Mark Williams
Outlook: With a healthy Ball and Miller’s second-year leap, Charlotte could surprise. Bridges provides toughness, while Williams anchors the defense.
Key additions and moves: Re-signed Tre Mann; acquired Pat Connaughton from Milwaukee.
Projected leaders: PTS: Ball/Miller; REB: Bridges/Williams; AST: Ball.
Washington Wizards
Projected starters: Tyus Jones, Corey Kispert, Bilal Coulibaly, Kyle Kuzma, Tristan Vukčević
Outlook: Deep in rebuilding mode. Kuzma leads the offense while the focus remains on youth development.
Key additions and moves: Retained core youth; minimal major signings.
Projected leaders: PTS: Kuzma; REB: Vukčević; AST: Jones.
