CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cavs enter the 2025-26 season no longer as a feel-good story or an up-and-coming contender. They’re the defending No. 1 seed in the East, powered by a historic offense and a head coach who’s learned how to unlock every piece of his team. The expectations now? Championship or bust.

The days of “maybe next year” are over. After a 64-win season and a summer of recalibration, the Cavs have built, developed, and sustained. Now comes the test of how far that foundation can carry them. Cleveland is trying to prove it belongs among the NBA’s elite.

As the new season begins, here are five bold predictions for a team ready to prove that the fourth year of the Core Four will be the one to bring home the Larry O’Brien trophy.

For the Cavs, success can only be defined one way t

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