Miami Heat at Cleveland Cavaliers

While Adebayo may sacrifice some scoring volume, Antetokounmpo's ability to collapse defenses should create more efficient scoring opportunities, and the duo projects to form one of the league's premier defensive frontcourts. Adebayo nursed a back issue to end the 2025-26 season, but he should be a full go for training camp.

Antetokounmpo's absence wasn't due to restrictions from Miami, as Greece's federation indicated the decision was made as part of his preparation for the upcoming season. The 31-year-old will begin a new chapter with the Heat after being acquired from Milwaukee in a blockbuster trade this offseason.

Gardner's Summer League is over because of an ankle sprain he suffered in Friday's California Classic opener in San Francisco against the Spurs. The swingman is missing out on valuable reps as he competes for a rotation spot with the Heat, but he does have plenty of time to recuperate for training camp in the fall.

Hip

Watson isn't guaranteed a spot in the starting five immediately but will have the chance to compete for it during training camp. The 24-year-old forward figures to play a sizable role for Cleveland after being acquired from the Nuggets in August in a multi-team deal. Watson was limited to just 54 regular-season appearances (40 starts) in 2025-26 due in large part to a strained hamstring, though he impressed when healthy, averaging career highs in points (14.6), rebounds (4.9), assists (2.1) and steals (0.9) while chipping in 1.1 blocks per game and shooting 41.1 percent from beyond the arc. His length and defensive versatility will be key for a Cleveland team trying to reach the Finals for the first time since the 2017-18 campaign. However, his growth on the offensive end will also be crucial to achieving that objective. Watson is one of the top candidates to join James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen in the starting lineup, but Atkinson isn't ready to commit to that idea just yet, as the Cavaliers have other options like Sam Merrill and Jaylon Tyson.