Best and worst-case scenarios for Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs

Cavaliers worst-case playoff scenario

No question, Cleveland’s worst-case scenario in the playoffs this season would be losing to the Knicks in the first round, moreover, if they were to lose the series in five or six games.

A significant key to this first-round series will be the health of Knicks All-Star Julius Randle, who suffered an ankle injury on March 29. Randle is set to be re-evaluated this week, but if he misses even a couple of games, the Cavaliers would have to take advantage.

But in this scenario, let’s say Randle can play the entire series and can provide New York with a spark despite being less than 100 percent.

Another factor that could go against the Cavaliers in a worst-case scenario is the play of Jalen Brunson, who was on fire and put up a career-high 48 points while hitting seven three-pointers in their most recent matchup.

While Caris LeVert has flourished in his sixth man role, scoring 15 points per game in his last 13 games, the Knicks have the likes of RJ Barrett, Quentin Grimes, and Immanuel Quickley, who can all go off for 20+ points on any given night.

If the Cavs backcourt cannot consistently score the ball, and the tandem of Allen and Mobley find themselves in foul trouble most nights, Cleveland could be in for a first-round exit.

As things stand now, Cleveland does seem likely the slightly better team, but anything can happen once the series begins.

Best and worst-case scenarios aside, this is an exciting time for a Cavaliers franchise that has not seen success without the likes of LeBron James on their team since the late 1990s.