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Cleveland Cavaliers 2025-26 projected starting lineup: Kenny Atkinson’s side looks for redemption

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Aug 19, 2025 7:35 PM ET

The Cleveland Cavaliers are hoping to build off a brilliant campaign last year, but want to improve their playoff performance.

The Cleveland Cavaliers surprised a lot of people last season. No one expected them to go on the run that they did in the Eastern Conference.

After hiring Kenny Atkinson as their head coach, the Cavaliers went on to dominate the Eastern Conference, ending the season with the #1 seed in the East.

But after a disappointing second-round playoff exit, things came crashing down. Now heading into the new season, the Cavaliers are hungry to redeem themselves.

Expert projections suggest the Cavaliers have the easiest schedule next season. But what does their roster look like to justify their status as favorites in the Eastern Conference?

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2025-26 Cleveland Cavaliers projected starting lineup

The Cleveland Cavaliers haven’t tinkered much with their roster, which makes sense, given how successful they were last season.

But there have been some moves made. This is what the Cavaliers’ roster looks like:

Starting Lineup	Second Unit
Darius Garland	Lonzo Ball
Donovan Mitchell	Max Strus
DeAndre Hunter	Dean Wade
Evan Mobley	Chuma Okeke
Jarrett Allen	Larry Nance Jr.

Darius Garland is entering the NBA season with an injury, but hopefully, he will be cleared by the time the season tips off.

The Cavaliers traded for Lonzo Ball to add depth at the guard spot. But outside of his arrival, they haven’t made any big moves to impact their roster.

Kenny Atkinson must repeat magic trick from last season

Kenny Atkinson’s arrival to the Cleveland Cavaliers last season seemed to be the catalyst for them to become true contenders.

And while they fell in the second round to the Indiana Pacers, no one can take away what they accomplished.

But this season will be a bigger challenge for the Cavaliers. Last year, Atkinson and his squad had the element of surprise.

This season, everyone will be expecting them to be heavy hitters in the Eastern Conference. Now, with expectations this high, the Cavaliers must live up to the billing of favorites with strong performances.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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