Cavs: A tough schedule ahead means the losses will pile up

The Cleveland Cavaliers got off to a strong start this season, overcoming a tough road-heavy opening schedule and making a number of statement wins. This was a team that was supposed to once again be among the dregs of the league, but instead, the Cavs notched wins over the Denver Nuggets, LA Clippers and New York Knicks — all on the road.

Jarrett Allen signed a new contract this offseason and came into the year ready to prove himself worthy, dunking everything in sight. Evan Mobley has been a revelation even as a rookie, protecting the rim like a five-year veteran and flying everywhere else, while flashing plus passing skills and a smooth midrange jumper. Lauri Markkanen hasn’t shot the ball well, but his spacing in the starting lineup helped to make the Allen-Mobley pairing viable offensively.

The Cavs have lost three straight games with an injury-depleted rotation. A really tough schedule ahead means those losses will continue to come.

Unfortunately, those three players logged a combined 29 minutes this week, as Markkanen and Allen are both out due to illness (Lauri COVID, Allen non-COVID) and Mobley was injured late in the loss to the Boston Celtics. That loss sparked an 0-3 week with losses to the Brooklyn Nets and Golden State Warriors, dropping their record to 9-8 after a 9-5 start.

Mobley will be out as long as a month, but hopefully Allen and Markkanen will return soon. They will need to, as the schedule continues to be difficult. Six of their last of their last seven opponents were playoff teams last season (and probable playoff teams for this year). In fact, the Cavs have played teams that made last season’s playoffs in 13 of their 17 games.

It doesn’t get any better from here, starting with a Monday night rematch with the Brooklyn Nets. Here are two reasons why the Cavs and their fans should expect the losses to pile up over the next few weeks, and then some light at the end of the tunnel for how they right the ship.