2026-27 NBA Season Preview: Bulls, Cavaliers, Pistons, Pacers and Bucks (Central Division)

With the regular season set to tip off on Oct. 20, let’s take a look at where each team in the Central Division stands. We’ll break down what to like and be concerned about, a lineup to watch and a reasonable range for them to finish in the standings. 

Let’s dig in, shall we?

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Bulls • Cavaliers • Pistons • Pacers • Bucks

(Bruno Rouby/Yahoo Sports Illustration)

WHAT TO LIKE: Growth of Matas Buzelis

Buzelis stepped into a full-time starting role last season and didn’t disappoint. He posted career-highs in virtually everything, but I was most moved by his willingness to let it fly from deep (3.3 to 6.4 attempts), his finishing prowess (58.3% on 2s), and his splash plays as a weakside roamer (1.5 blocks). 

The next step for Buzelis, at least in my eyes, is leveraging his budding scoring talent to make plays for others. He, uh, leaves some passing reads on the table and I think there’s some low-hanging fruit for him to grab.

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OTHER LIKES

Ultimately, I’m pretty fascinated by the Bulls’ bet on skilled size. Caleb Wilson was incredibly fun (and good!) during Summer League action. I still remain a believer in Nic Claxton if he’s a healthier version of himself; I’m fascinated by how much of the hub work he got to partake in last season will carry over here. Josh Giddey obviously headlines the backcourt. The passing and pace-pushing speaks for itself at this point, but he quietly took some steps as a creator inside the arc last season.

Norman Powell should be good for this Bulls team, for however long he’s there. His blend of shooting and juice off the bounce should make life easier for Giddey specifically. Get ready for plenty of quick-hitting pin downs and staggers.

I’d just like to quietly note that Tre Jones was pretty darn good last year. Do not be surprised if some of the Bulls’ best lineups include him.

BIGGEST QUESTION MARK: Will Giddey make a worthwhile half-court leap?

I mentioned him as part of the skilled-size bit, but Giddey will remain under a microscope. As the Bulls have seemingly (read: FINALLY) committed to an earnest rebuild, you do want to get some firm answers on Giddey as a…

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Author : Nekias Duncan

Publish date : 2026-09-29 21:55:00

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