By suffering a torn right Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, Indiana star Tyrese Haliburton dashed the Pacers’ chances for their first league title this season and perhaps for next season, too.
Achilles injuries suffered during the playoffs by Damian Lillard (Milwaukee Bucks) and Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics) may take their teams out of title contention for next season also.
Given the expected gap season awaiting the Bucks, Celtics and Pacers, what teams will emerge from the rubble to contend for an NBA title? Here’s a way-too-early look:
Cleveland Cavaliers | Last season: 64-18 (first in East)
Coming off a dominant 2024-2025 season, they again disappointed in the postseason, losing to the Pacers in the conference semifinals. Of course, given the injuries to key contributors Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell, it’s somewhat understandable why they didn’t beat red-hot Indiana.
While there have been rumblings of making dramatic changes — ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said there is “some belief” Garland could be dealt — these reports feel like offseason noise. The Cavaliers would be foolish to break up the core that guided them to one of the more successful seasons in franchise history.
