Cavaliers 2025 Season Preview: Can Cleveland Climb the East?

By Marcus Taylor | Steel Valley Sports

Edited by David Rosen, Managing Editor • Photography by Eddie Kahl

CLEVELAND — A new season brings new expectations for the Cleveland Cavaliers, a team standing on the edge between promise and pressure. After back-to-back playoff appearances, the Cavs enter 2025 determined to prove they belong among the Eastern Conference elite.

Donovan Mitchell’s Defining Year

All eyes are once again on Donovan Mitchell, who enters the season as the face and emotional core of the franchise. In his third full campaign with Cleveland, Mitchell has embraced the responsibility that comes with leadership — setting the tone with his work ethic and pushing teammates to match his intensity.

Mitchell’s scoring remains among the league’s best, but it’s his maturity that’s become just as important. He’s committed to improving his efficiency, creating for others, and carrying a roster that still leans heavily on his firepower. For the Cavs to make real noise in the East, Mitchell must play his best basketball when it matters most.

Mobley and Garland: The Future Is Now

Evan Mobley and Darius Garland continue to be the backbone of Cleveland’s long-term vision. Mobley has added muscle and range to his game, quietly transforming into one of the NBA’s most versatile defenders. Garland, meanwhile, returns healthy after battling nagging injuries last season and looks ready to reclaim his role as the team’s offensive orchestrator.

Together, the duo’s chemistry could be what finally pushes the Cavs past the first-round ceiling. If Garland’s playmaking syncs with Mobley’s evolution, Cleveland’s offense could reach another level entirely.

Depth and Defense Define the Identity

Cleveland’s defense, anchored by Jarrett Allen, remains among the most consistent in the league. The offseason additions of veteran shooters and bench depth have helped balance the roster, giving head coach J.B. Bickerstaff more flexibility in crunch time.

The Cavs won’t outrun everyone, but they’re built for playoff basketball — physical, patient, and focused. The formula is clear: limit mistakes, defend at a high level, and let Mitchell take over late.

The Road Ahead

The Eastern Conference is a minefield — Milwaukee and Boston still set the standard, and emerging teams like New York and Philadelphia have improved. But Cleveland isn’t backing down. This group has been through the growing pains, and now it’s about execution.

There’s a quiet confidence around this team. They know the window is open — it just won’t stay that way forever. For Mitchell, Mobley, and Garland, 2025 isn’t just another season; it’s the moment to prove that the Cavs are built to contend, not just compete.

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