With just 24 games left in the regular season, the Cleveland Cavaliers find themselves in a promising position. Sporting a 38-22 record, they're sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference, nipping at the heels of the second-seeded Boston Celtics and just a game behind the New York Knicks.
The Toronto Raptors and Philadelphia 76ers are also in the mix, but given the Cavs' recent form, a top-four or even a top-two seed is well within reach. With a solid 19-11 home record, securing home-court advantage could be a game-changer come playoff time.
Kenny Atkinson's squad is in a prime spot to make a push, and as Cavaliers insider Danny Cunningham noted, their schedule is working in their favor. The Cavs have the easiest remaining slate in the Eastern Conference.
"Their four toughest remaining games are within the next six," Cunningham shared. "After that, only one game (@ LAL, 3/31) is against a team with a winning percentage above .600."
While this bodes well for their seeding ambitions, it also presents a challenge. The Cavs need to treat these upcoming matchups as playoff-caliber tests, especially after dropping both games in the season series against the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
Four of their next six games are against top-tier opponents, including two against the Detroit Pistons, and one each against the Knicks and Celtics. These contests are more than just about seeding; they're critical for testing lineups and strategies for the postseason.
Last season, the Cavaliers clinched the top seed but struggled against the Indiana Pacers' physical style and intensity. Their mental toughness has been questioned in recent years, making this final stretch crucial for more than just integrating new team members.
It's about building confidence and proving to the rest of the East that they've learned from past missteps and are ready to make a deep playoff run. The Cavs have a chance to show they're not just contenders but a team that can overcome challenges and rise to the occasion.