Cavs 2022-23 Season Preview: 4 stars, 3 awards, 1 playoff berth

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Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers. (Photo by Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports) /

Cavs 2022-23 Season Preview: The Projection

Let’s put some predictions down on the table. What will happen in the 2022-23 NBA season?

First, some context and a caution. The Eastern Conference has gotten better at the top, and pushing up the standings will be a steep climb. The Cavs could be a better team than last year, win more games, and still land in the Play-In Tournament. That’s absolutely in play.

Last year the Cavs won 44 games, with the point differential of a 46-win team. That’s the baseline they’re building off of. They will be fighting against the plexiglass principle, the idea that teams who make a big leap fall back to earth the following year. NBA history suggests the Cavs have a large chance of faltering rather than growing.

Despite that history, the Cavs have every reason to be optimistic about next year. The dynamism of Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell, the rim protection of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, the surprising depth, the return of Ricky Rubio, the upside of Mobley becoming a star – the Cavs have a lot going for them.

This season, the Cleveland Cavaliers will win 50 games, 6 more than last season, and finish as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. Garland, Mitchell and Mobley will make the All-Star Game, and Mobley will be voted as a Second Team All-Defensive forward. Kevin Love will be third in 6MOY, and Koby Altman will be third in Executive of the Year.

Next. The Cavs have reconstructed Caris LeVert into their X-factor. dark

In the playoffs the Cavs will get their feet wet in a full series, one that goes the full seven games. Hot shooting nights from Garland and Mitchell notch them a few wins, but in Game 7 they fall just short. 50 wins, seven playoff games, and something real to build on for the future.