The Cleveland Cavaliers are the favorite to win the Central Division in 2025
The Milwaukee Bucks are the top contender for the division crown
Last year's Central Division winner was the Milwaukee Bucks
The Central Division is projected to be one of the most competitive divisions in the Eastern Conference. However, a dominant early season from one of the top contenders has put the division title in their hands at this early phase. At WSN, we're locked in on the 2025 Central Division race, offering the latest odds, predictions, and analyses for the 2024-25 NBA season!
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After two weeks, the Cleveland Cavaliers took control of the Central Division behind an undefeated start led by Donovan Mitchell. A dismal start from the Milwaukee Bucks hasn't hurt their standing, as they remain the top contender in the Central Division. However, the Indiana Pacers are joining the Bucks as a top contender and have yet to get into full gear this season. The Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls are rounding out the division, tied with the longest odds to take the division crown.
A strong start has seen the Cleveland Cavaliers take on the favorite position for the Central Division title. Undefeated through eight games, the Cavaliers’ offense has been near-unstoppable while maintaining their high defensive standards. Their early lead in the league has given them control of the odds table, and the public is backing them. Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley have been brilliant, and their form projects to carry the Cavaliers to a division title this season.
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Who Is the Favorite to Win the Central Division in 2025?
Cleveland Cavaliers (-240) at FanDuel
Year
Record
Finish
Off Rtg
Def Rtg
Pace
PPG
Opp PPG
2024-25
8-0, 1st in NBA Eastern Conference
-
121.5 (2nd of 30)
108.5 (4th of 30
100.6 (10th of 30)
122.2 (2nd of 30)
109.1 (8th of 30)
Head Coach: Kenny Atkinson
Key Players: Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen
Key Additions: JT Thor, Jaylon Tyson
Key Losses: Marcus Morris
The Cleveland Cavaliers have looked unstoppable through the early phase of the regular season. Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland comprise one of the best backcourts in the league, while Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen have anchored a top-tier defense. Head coach Kenny Atkinson has restructured the Cavaliers game plan to capitalize on the team’s strengths, and it’s paid off in the win column. Cleveland has made a statement to open this season with wins over the Knicks, Lakers, Magic, and Bucks.
Key Additions: Gary Trent Jr., Delon Wright, Taurean Prince
Key Losses: Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Jae Crowder
Despite a horrific start to the regular season, Milwaukee is barely holding on to the top contender spot for the Central Division. Winless through four games last week, the Bucks have struggled to find production beyond Antetokounmpo and Lillard. Entering Week 3 with injuries to Antetokounmpo, Middleton, and Beauchamp, the Bucks have an even more challenging road ahead of them. They’re sure to find form at some point, but it’s an arduous climb back from the bottom of the conference.
The Indiana Pacers have done their best to bounce back from a poor start to the season. They went 2-2 since last week, with impressive wins over the Celtics and the Mavericks. Pascal Siakam has led them in the scoring department, but point guard Tyrese Haliburton has struggled this season – especially with his shooting. With two sub-.500 teams on the schedule this week, the Pacers have an opportunity to get back in the running for the Central Division.
Key Losses: DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso, Andre Drummond
The Chicago Bulls have been one of the most intriguing teams this season. They’ve fought to a 3-4 record behind three 20-point scorers in Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, and Coby White. Beyond them, though, the Bulls have struggled to find production from their bench, and their defense has been one of the worst in the league. There are still questions around what the Bulls front office will do with the contracts of Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic, but until then, they look to be the same mediocre team they were last season.
Key Additions: Tobias Harris, Tim Hardaway Jr., Malik Beasley
Key Losses: James Wiseman, Quentin Grimes, Malachi Flynn
The Detroit Pistons are off to a much better start this year than last season. They’ve won three of their last eight, a win total that took them over 30 games last season to accomplish. Cade Cunningham has been excellent through the early start, averaging 23.3 points, 7.4 assists, and 6.4 rebounds on 48.3% from the field. Their tenacity after an 0-4 start to the season is commendable, but they still lack the overall quality to compete for the division title this season.
TThe Milwaukee Bucks won the Central Division in 2023-24. They finished the season with a 49-33 overall record and went 10-7 against their division rivals.
How many times has a Central Division team won the NBA Championship?
Central Division teams have won the NBA Championship 12 times. The Chicago Bulls have six titles, owing to the incredible Michael Jordan era. The Detroit Pistons have three NBA Championships, back-to-back with the Bad Boys Pistons and another in 2004. Milwaukee has won the Central Division's most recent title in 2021, and their first in 1971. And while the Indiana Pacers have three ABA Championships to their name, they've never won an NBA Championship since the merger.
Who are the top players in the Central Division?
The top players in the Central Division are Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL), Donovan Mitchell (CLE), Zach LaVine (CHI), Cade Cunningham (DET), and Tyrese Haliburton (IND).
Which team has won the Central Division most?
The Milwaukee Bucks have won the Central Division most, with twelve division titles. Detroit is second with nine division titles. The Chicago The Milwaukee Bucks have won the Central Division the most, with thirteen division titles. Detroit is second with nine division titles. The Chicago Bulls have eight division titles. The Cleveland Cavaliers have won the Central Division seven times. The Indiana Pacers have won the division six times.
Which team has won the Central Division least?
The Indiana Pacers have the fewest Central Division titles, with six.
Do the Central Division Champions receive a trophy?
Yes, since the 2021-22 NBA season, the Central Division champions have received the Wayne Embry Trophy.
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Christian Jope is a writer, social media strategist, and data analyst. A Queen’s University Alumni, Christian is an author and social media strategist with Raptors Cage, while also working closely with MLSE and Canada Basketball through community-driven events.
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