Crystal Ball: Predicting Cavs’ rotation by the end of the season

Predicting Cavs’ rotation: The starters

Four of the five starters are easy to figure out. Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland are both having sublime seasons, especially when the other sits. As the season goes their chemistry with each other will only grow. Both are likely All-Stars, and by the end of the season, we’ll pencil each in for 35 minutes per game.

The big men are likewise secure. Neither Jarrett Allen nor Evan Mobley is likely to make the All-Star Game, but both could be in the mix for an All-Defense selection. Together they form one of the best defensive tandems in the sport, and on offense, both are talented finishers, with Allen king of the offensive glass and Mobley developing his off-the-dribble game. Mobley will get 34 minutes and Allen 32 minutes per night.

The fifth and final starting spot will end up going to Dean Wade. He is the team’s best wing defender and their best shooter at the 3. He fits perfectly with the other starters and his absence hurt the team and demonstrated his value. He’ll get 30 minutes per night starting at the 3.

Add it all up, and the starters will take up 166 minutes of the available 240 minutes in the regular rotation.