Can the Cavaliers Jump in Standings Before 2024 Postseason?

With the NBA playoffs rapidly approaching, the Cleveland Cavaliers are running out of time to raise their postseason seeding. Looking at their remaining schedule, and those of their competitors, here’s a look at whether or not the Cavaliers can jump in the standings before the 2024 postseason. 

Cleveland Cavaliers

With the 10th easiest remaining schedule, Cleveland has a relatively smooth road to the end of the season. They still have the Suns, the Los Angeles Clippers, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Indiana Pacers left on their schedule. These games won’t be easy, but they’ve already beaten the Clippers and the Pacers this season, and lost to both the Lakers and the Suns by single digits. It is absolutely possible that the Cavaliers can beat each of these teams. 

At least they also (finally) have an almost fully healthy starting lineup. 

Currently sitting at 46-30 (with six games left) they’re one game behind the Bucks. How is the rest of the Bucks’ season looking? 

Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks, currently one place above Cleveland at second, has the fifth most difficult remaining schedule. Still having to face the Boston Celtics, the Oklahoma City Thunder, the New York Knicks and the Orlando Magic, the Bucks have their work cut out for them. 

Injuries will also be a factor, as Kris Middleton (ankle), Damian Lillard (groin) and Patrick Beverley (ankle) are all out. Giannis Antetokounmpo (hamstring) and MarJon Beauchamp (back) are also both listed as day-to-day. 

With less than two weeks remaining in the regular season, these injuries could prove to be crucial. 

Orlando Magic 

The Orlando Magic, with a 44-31 record, find themselves at fourth in the Eastern Conference. Having a better year than people thought, fourth is already higher than most projections had them. Being only two games back from the Cavaliers, the Magic could certainly surpass Cleveland before the season’s end. 

They do still have to play the Bucks, the 76ers and the New Orleans Pelicans, meaning it won’t be easy. With the emergence of Paolo Banchero and the talented role players around him, don’t count the Magic out as a true threat to Cleveland’s seeding. They do, after all, have the best defense in the east (defensive rating of 111.0). 

New York Knicks

The Knicks, with the sixth most difficult remaining schedule, will also have their work cut out for them. They still have the Celtics, the Bucks and the Sacramento Kings ahead of them. The Bulls and the Nets, who have proven to be capable to big performances, also still remain on their schedule. 

The wear and tear of the normal season is proving difficult for the Knicks, as multiple players are currently out. OG Anunoby (elbow), Duane Washington Jr (thumb) and Charlie Brown Jr (illness) are on the injury list. More seriously, Julius Randle (shoulder) is out for a more prolonged period. 

Boston Celtics

The Celtics, sitting far and above the rest of the Eastern Conference, are in a very comfortable position. Even if they hadn’t already clinched the conference (59-16), they have the fourth easiest remaining schedule. Although the three teams with easier schedules are all in the east (Bulls, Detroit Pistons and Philadelphia 76ers), none are a threat to even approach them. 

Even if the Cavaliers were to win the rest of their games, and the Celtics lost all of theirs,  they would still fall multiple games short. 

Although they might not be chasing first, second place is still within view. 

Conclusion

The Cavaliers can absolutely jump in the standings before the playoffs start. The Bucks are sitting ahead of them, but with injuries and a tough schedule on the horizon, they could easily slip a place or two with some losses. Although first place isn’t possible, second place isn’t just possible, but just outside the fingertips of the Cavaliers.

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Featured photo courtesy of NBA.com

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