As the Cleveland Cavaliers prepare for the 2024-25 season, they are carrying the momentum of a thrilling playoff run from the previous year. After clinching a playoff berth with a nail-biting 129–120 victory over the Indiana Pacers, the Cavs showcased their resilience by defeating the Orlando Magic in a hard-fought seven-game series.

This marked a significant milestone, as it was their first postseason appearance without LeBron James since his departure. However, the journey ended in the second round against the eventual champions, the Boston Celtics, who dispatched the Cavs in five games. With the taste of success and lessons learned, the Cavaliers now look to build on their achievements and aim for greater heights in the upcoming season.

Preseason Schedule

Get ready for an action-packed preseason as the Clippers face off against some exciting opponents before the regular season. Here are the key dates, venues, opponents, and times as per the NBA.

These games will be critical for the team to build chemistry and fine-tune their strategies before the season opener.

Cleveland Cavaliers 2024-25 Roster:

Offseason Changes

The Cleveland Cavaliers made significant offseason moves, including Jaylon Tyson’s four-year, $16.1 million contract and Donovan Mitchell’s three-year, $150.3 million extension. Mitchell’s extension alleviates potential offseason turmoil, ensuring he’ll remain with the team for at least three more seasons.

As the team adapts to new coach Kenny Atkinson, all eyes are on the big Evan Mobley’s contract, as he signs a reported 5-year, $224 million extension. Extending Mobley might come at a high cost due to the $224 million benchmark set by rookie extensions for Cunningham, Wagner, and Barnes. The salaries of Mobley, Mitchell, and Darius Garland would amount to $120 million next season, which could impact roster flexibility under the new CBA. Mobley’s All-NBA Defensive first-team recognition solidifies his importance, especially as Cleveland aims to maintain its defensive efficiency.

Cavaliers Head-to-Head records

Since their first meeting in 1976, the Cavaliers have faced the Boston Celtics in 51 playoff games and have a long history of rivalry. This is the most playoff matchup against any team. The Cavs hold a 25-26 record in those playoff encounters. The Cavaliers boast their best record against the Memphis Grizzlies in regular-season play. They have a 34-21 record against Memphis, giving them a 61.8% win percentage. This success comes from 55 regular-season games played between the two teams.

The Cavs have also struggled against the Houston Rockets. They have a 51-89 record against Houston, translating to a 36.4% win percentage. This poor performance stands out over 140 regular-season matchups. They also have an even record against the Indiana Pacers. Their record is 112 wins and 114 losses in 226 games. The Pacers have a slight edge with a 40-point differential in total points.

Currently, the Cavaliers are on a nine-game winning streak against the Detroit Pistons. This includes both regular-season and playoff games, showcasing their recent dominance. However, the Cavaliers have the longest active losing streak against two teams. They have lost three straight games to both the Boston Celtics and the Oklahoma City Thunder. This trend highlights the challenges the Cavs face when competing against these opponents.

The Cavaliers’ records against different teams, particularly the Celtics, showcase their competitive landscape in the playoffs. They perform exceptionally well against the Grizzlies but struggle against the Rockets. The Cavaliers are expanding their legacy in both the regular season and playoffs.

Top Matchups for Cavaliers

Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics set the standard for every team in the Eastern Conference. They are the reigning NBA champions, fresh off a remarkable season. Last year, the Celtics posted a dominant postseason record of 16-3. This achievement marked the franchise’s 18th championship title. The Cavaliers faced the Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Unfortunately, the series did not reflect the Cavs’ full potential. Center Jarrett Allen missed the entire series due to a rib injury. Star guard Donovan Mitchell also missed crucial games with a calf strain.

Despite not expecting the Cavaliers to win, the outcomes could have potentially changed with a healthier roster. Boston’s average margin of victory in the series was 15 points per game. The Celtics remain a dominant force in the league, despite potential injury concerns. Due to recent leg surgery, Kristaps Porziņģis may not return until January. Nevertheless, Boston retained all key contributors from last season. The Cavaliers must measure up to the Celtics if they aspire to contend for the championship.

Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic are a critical matchup for the Cavaliers’ progress this season. Last season, the Cavaliers faced criticism for their late-season roster decisions. They maneuvered to secure the No. 4 seed, aiming for an easier playoff matchup. This strategy nearly backfired as the Magic pushed the series to seven games. The Cavs found themselves trailing by 18 points in Game 7 at home. However, they rallied in the second half to win that pivotal game.

The Magic, boasting a promising young core, improved by signing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. If Orlando continues its upward trajectory, the Cavs may struggle to keep pace.  The Cavaliers have occupied the No. 4 seed for the past two seasons. The Magic’s lack of improvement and the improving performance of other teams could impact their playoff positioning. The outcome of the Cleveland vs Orlando match will have a significant impact on Cleveland’s postseason aspirations. The Cavaliers’ ability to compete with the best in the Eastern Conference will be determined by these matchups. The stakes are high for both teams as they navigate this competitive landscape.

Season Forecast

Hopes surrounds the Cavs as the new season approaches. Signing a $150.3 million contract with Donovan Mitchell for a three-year extension secures his presence in Cleveland through 2027-28. With Kenny Atkinson replaces J. B. Bickerstaff after a second-round playoff exit. Questions linger about the fit between Mitchell and Darius Garland. Additionally, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley need to mesh effectively in the frontcourt.

As the Eastern Conference is improving, presenting challenges for the Cavaliers. Cleveland has established itself as a playoff team but struggles in postseason success. Atkinson’s role will be crucial in maximizing the Cavaliers’ potential. Their championship odds sit at +5000, indicating outside expectations.

The matchup against the Boston Celtics and the Orlando Magic remains pivotal for the Cavaliers’ aspirations. The Celtics, with a strong roster and playoff pedigree. Along with the Magic adding KCP.  The Cavaliers faces challenges, the Cavaliers possess enough talent to contend for playoffs. The overlapping skills of star players could necessitate roster adjustments. Their ultimate success will hinge on veterans like Jaylon Tyson, Atkinson, Mitchell, and Mobley.