Where Do Cavaliers Rank in Eastern Conference Entering 2026-27?

After falling short in the Eastern Conference Finals a year ago, the Cleveland Cavaliers will be trying to push forward even more in 2026-27.

Cleveland was able to get out of the second round, a place that had burdened the franchise over the years. But being swept out of the conference finals was a tough reality to face.

The Cavaliers will enter the new year ready to prove themselves once again, armed with a strong roster. Cleveland added defensive star Peyton Watson to the mix, giving them someone who can stop other teams' best player.

But entering the new season, where do the Cavaliers rank in terms of the Eastern Conference?

Cleveland isn't the favorite to come out of the East this season, but they should again be a top team. When looking at the conference as a whole, it has gotten even better and deeper since last season ended.

At this point, the Cavaliers are likely the third-or-fourth-best team in the conference on any given night. Cleveland sits behind the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers for sure, but there are arguments that can be made against every other team.

New York is the favorite to represent the East as the defending champions, until proven otherwise. The Knicks made quick work of the Cavaliers in the playoffs, adding more thought to Cleveland being behind them.

As for the 76ers, they completely changed the game this offseason, adding both LeBron James and Jaylen Brown to the roster. Philadelphia now has an All-Star team-style starting five, giving them a legitimate chance to make real noise this season.

The Cavaliers likely come next, even with the playoff letdown from last season. Cleveland is a more proven team entering the season than someone like the Indiana Pacers.

Indiana could easily slide up the rankings to overtake the Cavaliers, but they will need to show out again. The Pacers will be getting Tyrese Haliburton back from injury, giving them a chance to reclaim their spot in the conference.

Boston likely takes a step back after a strange offseason, and while Miami now has Giannis Antetokounmpo, there are real questions with them. So the Cavaliers should at the worst be a top-four team this year.

But having Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, and others still allows the Cavaliers to be close to the top of the East. Cleveland has all the tools to win the NBA title, but they'll have to earn their keep in a tough conference this season.