The Cleveland Cavaliers exceeded expectations in the regular season.
Not many people, perhaps not even the most optimistic fan, had them winning 64 games this year, much less having a better record than the defending NBA champions, the Boston Celtics.
That’s why, even after failing to win more than one game in the second round of the playoffs, it seems like oddsmakers have finally changed their stance on Kenny Atkinson’s team.
As shown by Jeff Sherman on X, the Cavs are being given the third-best odds to win the championship next season (10/1).
They trail only the Oklahoma City Thunder (9/4) and New York Knicks (9/1) in that regard.
2025-26 NBA Championship
OKC 9/4
NY 9/1
Cle 10/1
Ind, Min 12/1
Hou 14/1
LAL, Den, SA 16/1
Bos, GS, Dal 20/1
Phi 25/1
LAC 35/1
Orl 50/1
Det 60/1
Mem 80/1
Mil, Phx, Atl 100/1
Tor, Sac, Mia, Bkn 150/1
NO, Chi 200/1
Por 300/1
Cha, Uta, Wsh 500/1— Jeff Sherman (@golfodds) June 1, 2025
Curiously enough, they have better odds than the Indiana Pacers (12/1), who not only beat them in the playoffs but also made it to the NBA Finals..
They also have better odds than the Minnesota Timberwolves (12/1), the other team that reached the Western Conference Finals.
The Cavaliers will need to have some uncomfortable conversations in the offseason.
They can’t afford to run it back with this core of players unless they make some big moves to shake up the second unit.
This team is very talented and is coming off an outstanding regular season, but even opposing teams will have a tough time taking them seriously after watching them flame out of the playoffs for the third year in a row.
There’s always a chance that they will step up and show some grit, but that hasn’t been the case so far, and not many people will continue to give them the benefit of the doubt.
NEXT: Analyst Has Brutal Admission About Cavs' Roster After Second-Round Exit
