The Cleveland Cavaliers have posted a 163-83 regular-season record since acquiring guard Donovan Mitchell, good for a 66 percent winning rate that ranks third in the NBA. That success has not translated to the postseason, where the club is just 11-15 and has bowed out in five games three years in a row. Injuries to Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen have played a role, but league observers expect Cleveland to consider roster adjustments before the trade deadline if a similar playoff path emerges.
Indiana Planning for Life Without Haliburton
The Indiana Pacers are bracing for an extended stretch without All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who is projected to return from an Achilles tear in the 2026-27 season. The front office’s immediate checklist includes identifying a long-term replacement for center Myles Turner—options range from Isaiah Jackson and Jay Huff to a potential external pickup—and evaluating recent first-round selections Bennedict Mathurin, Ben Sheppard and Jarace Walker. Mathurin remains the most prominent candidate, though his output has plateaued since his rookie campaign. Increased opportunity could determine whether he becomes a cornerstone of Indiana’s return to contention.
Washington Bracing for Another Tough Year
The Washington Wizards are entering year three of a rebuild after consecutive seasons of 15-67 and 18-64. Despite a marginally better record in 2024-25, the team’s point differential worsened, and expectations for 2025-26 are modest as the franchise leans further into youth development. Washington has not reached the 50-win mark since 1979, and internal projections suggest more growing pains before tangible improvement appears.
Source: Hoops Wire
