5 reasons Cavaliers will sweep their way to NBA Finals

2. Extra rest before the Eastern Conference Finals

With the way the Heat-Raptors series is going, neatly tied at 2-2 with three games going to overtime already, neither team has done anything to establish themselves as a clear favorite.

Both starting centers are out, meaning both teams will be forced to go small as the odds were restored with Valanciunas’ injury following Whiteside just minutes later. Now, unless the Raptors’ backcourt can suddenly discover and maintain All-Star form or Dwyane Wade keeps turning back the clock with 38-point performances, this series has “seven games” written all over it.

And for the Cavaliers who are resting up nicely already with the calm relief of sweeping the Hawks, they can enter the Conference Finals with extra days of rest and practice under their belts.

It’s always remarkable that LeBron attacks season after season, racking up so many minutes and enduring such a physical undertaking, yet he never gets injured. Even though he’ll play as many minutes as head coach Tyronn Lue asks of him, more rest to prepare for the last hurdle before the Finals is going to help him stay at his relentless best. Meanwhile, for the rest of the mere mortals on the Cavaliers roster, more time off before the Conference Finals will do nothing but help them attack either the Heat or Raptors at full force.

Minimal fatigue is always a major bonus, and along with full health, that’s exactly what the Cavaliers have as they look to sweep their next weary opponents.

Next: 1. Who can stop LeBron James?