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 saw its teams have a tough start to the season, save for the Cavaliers, but after six weeks of the regular season, some familiar faces are back in contention for the division crown. 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!
Still atop the Central Division and Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been the standard amongst NBA teams this season. The Milwaukee Bucks have finally overcome their difficult start to the season and sit second in the Central Division. Beyond the top two, the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, and Detroit Pistons have struggled to find consistency this season.
The Cleveland Cavaliers continue their excellent run to start the regular season. They are the first team to 20 wins and have an eight-game lead over second place in the Central Division. They're running away with the division title, and it'll take a catastrophe to see them drop enough games to help their rivals close the gap.
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Who Is the Favorite to Win the Central Division in 2025?
Cleveland Cavaliers (-1700) at FanDuel
Year
Record
Finish
Off Rtg
Def Rtg
Pace
PPG
Opp PPG
2024-25
20-3, 1st in NBA Eastern Conference
-
121.1 (3rd of 30)
110.6 (8th of 30)
100.7 (5th of 30)
122.0 (1st of 30)
111.4 (12th of 30)
Head Coach: Kenny Atkinson
Key Players: Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Darius Garland
Key Additions: JT Thor, Jaylon Tyson
Key Losses: Marcus Morris
The Cleveland Cavaliers dominate the NBA and the Central Division despite having their worst two-week run of the season. Their standards are high, and a positive 4-3 week has been their most challenging season run. Their defense has taken a hit, allowing 115.0 points per game on 44.6% from the field and 39.2% from three. Donovan Mitchell has been the man to watch, averaging 24.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.5 threes per game over the past two weeks.
Key Additions: Gary Trent Jr., Delon Wright, Taurean Prince
Key Losses: Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Jae Crowder
The Milwaukee Bucks have finally found their feet after a terrible start to the regular season, and they’re back in the mix to reach the top four in the Eastern Conference. They won six straight games over the past two weeks, averaging 117.8 points on 50.1% from the field while hitting 16.2 threes on 44.3% efficiency. Giannis Antetokounmpo has been brilliant over that stretch, averaging 34.4 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 8.0 assists on 61.5% shooting.
The Indiana Pacers continue to struggle this season, as their injury issues plague them and the game plan they wish to initiate. They’ve tried to stay competitive through the last week, going 4-5 with wins over the Heat, Wizards, Pelicans, and Trail Blazers – all competition expected to finish below them. Tyrese Haliburton hasn’t rediscovered the magic from his previous season, only averaging 18.2 points, 8.7 assists, and 3.8 threes on 41.2% from the field.
Key Losses: DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso, Andre Drummond
Many expected the Chicago Bulls to compete for the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, but their depth and quality have kept them in the race for the NBA Play-In Tournament. They went 3-5 over the past week, taking care of business against the Pistons, Hawks, and Wizards. Zach Lavine bounced back after a tough start to the season, averaging 22.1 points with 3.5 made threes on 50.45 shooting over the past two weeks.
Key Additions: Tobias Harris, Tim Hardaway Jr., Malik Beasley
Key Losses: James Wiseman, Quentin Grimes, Malachi Flynn
The Detroit Pistons were on a positive run to open the regular season, but they’ve returned to earth over the past two weeks, showing their youth and inexperience. Through their last eight games, the Pistons have posted a 3-5 record, with key losses coming against the Chicago Bulls, Charlotte Hornets, and Philadelphia 76ers. Cade Cunnigham only played in four games for Detroit over the last two weeks, but he averaged 24.5 points, 10.3 assists, and 7.3 rebounds per game – he’s central to the Pistons’ chances at success.
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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