The Cleveland Cavaliers will make the playoffs for the time since 2018. This is a monumental feat because the Cavaliers also make the playoffs without LeBron James on the roster. For instance, the last time Cleveland made the playoffs without James on the roster was in the 90s. This Cavaliers playoff preview will display what to look forward to heading into the first round and their matchup against the New York Knicks.
Progress Made
For the 2022-23 NBA season, the Cavaliers won 51 games in the regular season. Compared to last season when the team only won 44 games and missed the playoffs. However, Cleveland did make it into the play-in tournament in which they lost both play-in games. The Cavaliers started out very hot last season and seemed to have made the humongous jump. It did not end well because of multiple injuries to key players. Coupled with that the foundation for this season was laid. Trading for Donovan Mitchell above all elevated this young Cavs team to the next level.
Cavaliers Playoff Preview vs Knicks
There are two ideologies when it comes to regular season matchups having any effect on a playoff series. Many believe that the regular season matchup matters and others think it doesn’t. In this instant, the Knicks won the season series 3-1 against the Cavaliers. However, in a playoff preview matchup between the Cavs and Knicks once again the Knicks would become victorious. Without Julius Randle, Cleveland had no answers for Jalen Brunson. During that game the Knicks bench gave the Cavaliers bench fits all game long. Only time will tell which ideology will prevail.
What They Bring
In a matchup against the Knicks, the Cavaliers will rely on their number one-rated defense. In other words, the Cavaliers hold their opponents to 106.9 points a game. That is number one in the entire NBA. As well as they are second in point differential at +5.3. Cleveland trails only Boston Celtics in the statistical category. In addition, the defense is anchored by the two big men Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. On the offensive end, the Cavaliers are averaging 112.3 points a game. The Cavaliers’ style of play favors NBA playoff basketball. Slow down and grind it out in the half-court. On the offensive end, they are led by Darius Garland and Mitchell. Above all, this 4-5 matchup might be the most interesting first-round series.
Evenly Matched
As shown above, this series will be the most intriguing and evenly matched series in the first round. In this Cavs and Knicks series, their strengths and weaknesses will be on display. Largely due to how closely these teams are matched and can exploit one another. For this matchup, the slight edge goes to the Knicks because their bench is much better. It is important to realize this matchup could go seven games because of how evenly matched they are.
Knicks’ Point Of View
Coming from the regular season the momentum could be with the Knicks. Having won the season series 3-1 could have an effect on the Cavaliers. As well as having beaten them most recently before the playoffs started. In addition to momentum, the Knicks may have something to prove after losing to the Cavaliers in the Mitchell trade sweepstakes. With the recent success of Brunson being unguarded by the Cavaliers’ defenders. New York could feature him heavily in one on one iso situations. This series could come down to which team has the better bench. However, status and health of Randle matter a lot here.
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