Cleveland Cavaliers em Memphis Grizzlies

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.

Edey still hasn't been ruled out for the preseason, so there's a chance he will see some run ahead of the regular-season opener. The big man underwent surgeries on his left elbow and ankle in March, though he's trending in the right direction ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. The Purdue product appeared in only 11 regular-season games in 2025-26, averaging 13.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, 1.1 assists and 0.6 steals in 25.8 minutes per contest.

Peavy was traded from New Orleans to Memphis on Sept. 8 after averaging 4.3 points and 1.9 rebounds in 15.0 minutes per game during his rookie season with the Pelicans. The 25-year-old forward faces plenty of competition for playing time on the rebuilding Grizzlies, and it's unclear if he'll be able to suit up during the preseason, which does not bode well for his chances of carving out a meaningful role early in the season.

Undisclosed