The Cleveland Cavaliers are having an incredible, feel-good season that has seen them blow past expectations and projections. They are 35-23, tied for third in the Eastern Conference and just 2.5 games back of the No. 1 seed. Their point differential of +4.2 is third in the conference, and their defense ranks fourth in the entire league.
Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen just made the All-Star Game, the first nod for each. Evan Mobley is the front-runner for Rookie of the Year, and Kevin Love will be on a number of Sixth Man of the Year ballots. Either Allen, Mobley or both could be on an All-Defense team. Garland could win Most Improved. Every fan of the Cavs should be enjoying the optimism and excitement around this team.
The Cavs are having their best season in years, and the future is bright. Even so the Cavs could still end up missing the NBA playoffs.
Now, unfortunately, the wet blanket will be applied to the rest of the season. Without taking anything away from their accomplishments thus far, or dimming even in the slightest the rosy long-term outlook, the Cavs are not secure as a postseason team. Even with their strong start, they could still miss the playoffs.
How is that possible? Not statistically – obviously if the Cavs, or any team lose every game remaining they would likely miss the playoffs. Yet practically, the Cavs are far from a postseason lock. Here are three reasons why the Cavs could very reasonably miss the playoffs – an outcome that would be a disappointment, but hardly preclude this team from making yet another leap next year.
This year? This year it still very much up in the air.