2026-27 NBA Preview: Central Division capsules

Field Level Media previews the 2026-27 NBA season for the Central Division, detailing major roster overhauls across the Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls, and Milwaukee Bucks. Cleveland retained core players James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley while adding Peyton Watson. Meanwhile, Detroit aims to build around Cade Cunningham following a 60-win campaign, and Indiana welcomes back star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton from a ruptured Achilles injury.

Elsewhere in the division, the Bucks entered a complete rebuild after trading superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to the Miami Heat for Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. Chicago is banking on newcomer Nic Claxton, Norman Powell, rookie Caleb Wilson, and breakout candidate Matas Buzelis under new leadership to overhaul its defense.