For years, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been chasing the Boston Celtics’ shadow - and not just in the standings. It’s been a story of one team consistently reaching the mountaintop, while the other keeps slipping just before the summit.
Boston’s 2023-24 championship run only widened that gap, and when the two teams met in the second round of those playoffs, the difference was glaring. The Celtics dispatched the Cavs in five games, holding them under 102 points in every loss.
Still, there were glimmers of hope for Cleveland. Evan Mobley had a breakout series, flashing the kind of two-way upside that makes front offices drool. Jarrett Allen, meanwhile, didn’t even suit up - and that absence left some fans wondering what a full-strength Cavs squad might’ve looked like against Boston.
But fast forward to now, and neither team is quite where they hoped to be. Cleveland’s early-season struggles stem from a roster that, while talented, hasn’t quite clicked.
Boston, on the other hand, had its own postseason stumble last spring - a shocking loss to the Knicks, capped off by Jayson Tatum tearing his Achilles. That injury looked like a season-ender, and maybe even a season-sinker for the Celtics.
And yet, here we are in mid-December, and the Eastern Conference is more wide open than it’s been in years. With Tatum still rehabbing, Jrue Holiday now in Portland, and Kristaps Porzingis traded to Atlanta, many expected Boston to take a step back.
That was Cleveland’s cue to rise. But so far, the Cavs haven’t seized the moment.
At 15-12, Cleveland’s start has been more “meh” than menacing. Darius Garland’s health remains a question mark, and the roster - as currently constructed - doesn’t scream “title contender.” The Celtics aren’t exactly lighting it up either at 15-11, but they’re still viewed with more optimism, especially in a conference that lacks a dominant force.
And here’s the wrinkle that should make every Cavs fan sit up straight: Jayson Tatum might be coming back - sooner than expected.
Tatum’s Achilles injury in April was a gut punch, but recent trends in sports medicine have shortened recovery timelines for these types of injuries. While the Celtics haven’t circled a return date in pen, there’s increasing chatter that he could rejoin the team by March or April - just in time for the postseason. Some whispers even suggest a January return, though that’s less likely.
Boston is currently sitting fourth in the East, and barring a total collapse, they’re a lock to finish in the top 10 - meaning at minimum, they’ll be in the Play-In. That alone makes it harder to justify shutting Tatum down for the year. And even if he’s not 100%, his presence alone changes the equation - especially against Cleveland.
Let’s not forget what Tatum did to the Cavs in last year’s playoffs. He didn’t shoot the lights out - 44.1% from the field, just 27.3% from deep - but he still put up 26.8 points, 10.4 boards, 6.2 assists, and added 2.6 combined steals and blocks per game. That’s a “bad” series for Tatum, and he still filled the stat sheet.
For Cleveland, defending him remains a puzzle without a clear solution. Mobley is an elite defender, but he’s at his best as a help-side disruptor, not chasing wings around the perimeter.
Jarrett Allen doesn’t have the lateral quickness to stay with Tatum either. De’Andre Hunter was supposed to be the answer, but he hasn’t delivered.
Max Strus has tried to take on the assignment in the past, with limited success. And Isaac Okoro - arguably their best on-ball defender against wings - is now in Chicago.
So if Tatum returns even at 85%, the Celtics instantly become a nightmare matchup again. And that’s before we even talk about what Boston might do at the trade deadline.
When Tatum went down, Boston looked like a team ready to hit reset. They dealt Holiday and Porzingis, seemingly punting on the season. But now, with the East wide open and a playoff spot in hand, the Celtics could pivot - fast.
They’ve got flexibility, too. Despite having the sixth-highest payroll in the league, Boston is still spending nearly $30 million less than Cleveland. Anfernee Simons - who came over in the Holiday deal - is a likely trade chip, and Boston has draft capital to work with: four picks in this year’s draft, including a first-rounder.
The biggest need? Frontcourt depth.
With Porzingis gone and Al Horford and Luke Kornet no longer in the mix, the Celtics are thin at center. Neemias Queta has stepped in admirably, but the depth behind him - Luka Garza, Chris Boucher, Xavier Tillman Sr. - isn’t scaring anyone.
Boston could look for a low-cost veteran with playoff experience, like Kevon Looney or Brook Lopez. Or they could aim higher.
Nic Claxton, Ivica Zubac, and even Lauri Markkanen (who’s more of a stretch four but could fit in a hybrid role) are names to watch. If Brad Stevens decides to go big, Boston has the assets to get it done.
And if that happens, Cleveland can’t afford to stand still.
The Cavaliers entered this season with expectations - not just to compete, but to contend. If Boston reloads at the deadline and gets Tatum back in time for the postseason, the pressure on Cleveland to make a move will only intensify. That could mean tough decisions, like moving on from Garland or Allen to retool the roster for a deeper run.
This was supposed to be Cleveland’s time to shine. But with Boston lurking - and potentially reloading - the window in the East is starting to feel a little tighter. The Cavaliers still have the pieces to make noise, but if they want to finally step out of Boston’s shadow, the clock is ticking.