Playoff Seeding: Cavs Schedule Important Piece of Puzzle

The Cleveland Cavaliers have played very well since acquiring the New Three to go with the Big Three. This morning we took an in-depth look at how the team’s defense has been the reason for the change (New Window). The numbers were staggering and you need to check that piece out. Because of that surge, and the drop off of some of the other competitors, the Cavs are only a half game behind both the Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors for the 2nd seed.

Playoff seeding could be vital for the Cavs pursuit of Cleveland’s first NBA Championship. Homecourt advantage can be huge in both success in a Playoff series but also in the speed at which that series can be completed. Clearing the first and second round in 10 games instead of 12 or 13 is huge for wear and tear. If the Cavs can enter the Eastern Conference Finals rested and ready, their trip to the NBA Finals could be assured.

As we have covered, we believe the Cavs will have smooth sailing into the NBA Finals. How they do there could depend a lot on how they get there. Homecourt and quick series should allow them to rest while the Western Conference, which has 8 teams that could reach the NBA Finals, battle with each other. The West will be busy beating up on each other while the Cavs could spend some time on the training tables, in the cold tubs and come out fully rested.

To get that 2nd seed, the top seed seems out of reach at this point, the Cavs will have to attack a schedule that presents a lot of difficulties. Lets take a look at what the Cavs are in for in their final 22 games.

Schedule Summary

10 Home Games, 12 Away
11 Games versus teams over .500 as of today
17 Games versus the Eastern Conference
Only 3 more sets of back to back games (6 games in total)
- 2 Back to Backs are Home-Away, 1 is Away-Away in Florida
Only 3 times playing two contenders back to back (6 games in total)
3 of their last 4 games are against teams with losing records (Boston X 2, Detroit)
Season ends against the Washington Wizards on Tax Day, April 15th.

The Hawks and Bulls have very similar summaries while the Raptors benefit from only 7 games left against teams with winning records. A big advantage with only so many games left in the season.

Given the Cavs recent success, expecting the team to win 75% of their remaining games is a reasonable expectation. That means we expect the Cavs to win 17 of their last 22 games. That would leave the Cavs with a 54 – 28 record. The Hawks already have 47 wins, meaning they would have to only win 7 of their remaining 23 games. They have only lost 12 games all year so expecting them to lose 16 more is improbable.

Making up the half game on the Bulls and Raptors is a whole different discussion. The Bulls are without Derrick Rose for at least a few weeks, we expect to finish with a better record than them. The Raptors on the other hand, with their easier schedule, could be a more difficult target. The good news is that the Raptors have lost 5 straight and are 4-6 in their last 10.

More from King James Gospel

The Cavs have a tough schedule ahead. Starting today the Cavs face off with contenders Houston, Toronto, Atlanta, Dallas, San Antonio, Memphis, Chicago and Washington. Those 8 games will be decisive for the Cavs record. If they can take 5 or 6 of them then they are likely to go into the NBA Playoffs as the 2nd seed and with tons of confidence. If they struggled their Playoff seeding could be impacted greatly.

Based on their current play and schedule we predict that the Cavs enter the NBA Playoffs in the 2nd seed. Much like Tiger Woods on the last day of a golf tournament, teams will feel the Cavs coming. The Raptors already seem to be cracking under the pressure of the hard charging Cavaliers. The Playoff seeding is vital for the Cavs and we expect them to make sure they get it, before sitting some players near the end of the season.

What do you think the Cavs Playoff seed will be?

Next: New Three Have Redefined the Cavs Defensively