Locked On Celtics - Daily Podcast On The Boston Celtics

East Preview: Cleveland Cavaliers BETTER or WORSE than last season?

Locked On Celtics - Daily Podcast On The Boston Celtics

Show Notes

Cleveland Cavaliers double down on their playoff ambitions, but can they finally break through in a stacked Eastern Conference? John Karalis of Celtics On SI teams up with Danny Cunningham of Locked On Cavs to break down if Evan Mobley’s bounce-back potential, James Harden’s new role, and the high-stakes addition of Peyton Watson will be enough to propel Cleveland forward.

Major topics include the pressure on Mobley to become a legitimate All-NBA force, Cleveland’s massive payroll commitment to Donovan Mitchell, and whether Harden is willing—and able—to shift into a true third or fourth option when it matters most. The conversation covers the impact of the brutal upcoming Cavs schedule, Watson’s boom-or-bust contract, and Mario Hezonja's sleeper potential. Don’t miss expert analysis on how the new-look Cavaliers stack up against the Boston Celtics, plus where each team will finish in the playoff race.

More from Locked On Celtics - Daily Podcast On The Boston Celtics

Oct 22, 2026

Boston Celtics’ bigs emerge as the team’s ultimate X-factor after a tough opening loss to the Detroit Pistons. Can Mitchell Robinson, Neemias Queta, and Luka Garza step up and reshape Boston’s offensive identity? John Karalis of Celtics On SI breaks down the pivotal role of the centers, revealing why the team’s success may hinge more on their performance than even Jayson Tatum’s scoring outbursts.

Oct 20, 2026

Boston Celtics unravel in shocking fashion, surrendering a 23-0 fourth-quarter run to the Detroit Pistons after holding a commanding 22-point lead. Are late-game collapses becoming a pattern the Celtics can’t shake—and what costly mistakes fueled Detroit’s comeback?

Oct 20, 2026

Boston Celtics gear up for a challenging regular season with revamped defensive energy and breakout potential from unexpected names. Can Jayson Tatum secure another All-NBA First Team nod, and does Payton Pritchard have what it takes to become a Sixth Man favorite? John Karalis of Celtics On SI and Tom Westerholm explore offseason surprises, including Hugo Gonzalez’s hot shooting and the strategic impact of Joe Mazzulla’s risk-taking defense, powered by key contributors like Derrick White, Mitchell Robinson, and Neemias Queta.

Oct 19, 2026

Who are the BEST and WORST teams in the NBA heading into the 2026-27 season? With opening night just around the corner, Locked On NBA Daily reveals its official 30-team NBA Power Rankings, organized into S-through-F tiers!

Oct 19, 2026

Payton Pritchard's breakout potential sparks heated debate: should the Boston Celtics make him their sixth man or unleash him as a starter alongside Jayson Tatum? The conversation focuses on Pritchard’s offensive firepower, his elite fit next to Tatum, and what maximizing his role means for Boston’s rotation following the Jaylen Brown trade.

See all episodes →