2025-26 NBA Central Division Preview: Outlook and Predictions

Cleveland Cavaliers

Projected Starting Lineup
PG: Darius Garland
SG: Donovan Mitchell
SF: De’Andre Hunter
PF: Evan Mobley
C: Jarrett Allen

Key Bench Contributors: Lonzo Ball, Sam Merrill, Max Strus, Dean Wade, Larry Nance Jr.

Cleveland enters the season under immense pressure. After a 64-win campaign that ended in a disappointing second-round exit, the Cavaliers know the regular season means little until the postseason. On paper, they remain the class of the Central Division, with elite talent across the roster and depth to spare. Anything short of a Finals run will be seen as a failure.

Prediction: 61-21
Divisional Projection: 1st
Ceiling: NBA Champions

Detroit Pistons

Projected Starting Lineup
PG: Cade Cunningham
SG: Jaden Ivey
SF: Ausar Thompson
PF: Tobias Harris
C: Jalen Duren

Key Bench Contributors: Caris LeVert, Duncan Robinson, Ron Holland, Isaiah Stewart

The Pistons are coming off a breakthrough 2024 season and enter 2025 with high expectations. Cade Cunningham has emerged as a bona fide star, while Ausar Thompson, Jalen Duren, Jaden Ivey, and rookie Ron Holland form one of the league’s most promising young cores. The addition of veteran Tobias Harris adds stability, though Detroit’s decision not to chase a top-tier star like Desmond Bane or Kevin Durant limits their ceiling. This is a playoff team, but not quite a title contender yet.

Prediction: 46-36
Divisional Projection: 2nd
Ceiling: Conference Finals

Milwaukee Bucks

Projected Starting Lineup
PG: Kevin Porter Jr.
SG: Gary Trent Jr.
SF: Kyle Kuzma
PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo
C: Myles Turner

Key Bench Contributors: Cole Anthony, AJ Green, Taurean Prince, Bobby Portis

It is a testament to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s greatness that Milwaukee remains competitive. Outside of Giannis, this roster is shaky. Myles Turner is a solid addition, but losing Damian Lillard and Brook Lopez overshadows the gain. Relying on Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Trent Jr., and Kyle Kuzma as primary starters is a major gamble. Giannis can carry the Bucks into the postseason, but without more reliable support, their ceiling is limited.

Prediction: 45-37
Divisional Projection: 3rd
Ceiling: Conference Finals

Indiana Pacers

Projected Starting Lineup
PG: Andrew Nembhard
SG: Bennedict Mathurin
SF: Aaron Nesmith
PF: Pascal Siakam
C: Isaiah Jackson

Key Bench Contributors: TJ McConnell, Ben Sheppard, Obi Toppin, Jarace Walker, Jay Huff

Even without Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana remains a well-balanced team with impressive depth. They have 10 rotation-ready players, and Pascal Siakam provides a reliable veteran anchor in the frontcourt. The key storyline is Bennedict Mathurin, who steps into a full-time starting role for the first time in his career. If he takes a leap, the Pacers could exceed expectations and make noise in the East.

Prediction: 43-39
Divisional Projection: 4th
Ceiling: 2nd Round Exit

Chicago Bulls

Projected Starting Lineup
PG: Josh Giddey
SG: Coby White
SF: Ayo Dosunmu
PF: Matas Buzelis
C: Nikola Vucevic

Key Bench Contributors: Kevin Huerter, Isaac Okoro, Patrick Williams, Zach Collins, Noa Essengue

Chicago continues to spin its wheels in mediocrity. The Bulls return a roster that won 39 games last season, making only minor moves: a puzzling Lonzo Ball–Isaac Okoro swap and the drafting of Noa Essengue. While Josh Giddey brings some playmaking upside and rookie Matas Buzelis offers intrigue, the franchise seems content with play-in level results. Development of the young players is the only real storyline worth following.

Prediction: 34-48
Divisional Projection: 5th
Ceiling: Play-In Tournament

Final Thoughts

The Central Division looks straightforward. Cleveland sits comfortably at the top, and Detroit, Milwaukee, and Indiana will jostle for position behind them. Chicago remains mired in mediocrity and is unlikely to climb out of the bottom tier this season.

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