NBA Playoffs: Best East Scenarios for Cavs

Mar 27, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) drives to the basket defended by Brooklyn Nets forward Joe Johnson (7) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

#2 Cleveland Vs. #7 Brooklyn or Boston

The Cavs shouldn’t have a hard time with either team but they would like to avoid the Heat and Pacers in the 1st round. The Cavs are clicking on all cylinders but keeping LeBron James and Kevin Love fresh and healthy will be key.

The Brooklyn Nets currently sit in the 7th spot with a 1 game lead on the Heat. They are 2.5 games back of the Bucks in the 6th seed and not likely to catch them. The Nets have a lot of veteran players and could give the Cavs a little bit of trouble. Joe Johnson, Deron Williams and Brook Lopez can be tough to deal with. The Cavs would likely take the series in 5 or 6 games.

The Boston Celtics on the other hand have very little veteran presence that should concern the Cavs. The Celtics are 1.5 games back of the Nets and would be the best match-up in the 1st round, that is reasonable at this point. Jared Sullinger just returned for the C’s but they just don’t have enough firepower to make a series a big concern. A sweep would be most likely if the Cavs matched up with the Celtics in the 1st round.

Next: #3 Vs #6