Cleveland Cavaliers Season Preview, Win Total Prediction and Playoff Odds
By Reed Wallach
The Cleveland Cavaliers are stockpiling a ton of young talent, but will it translate to wins? So far it hasn't, but there is cause for optimism despite going 22-50 in the shortened 2020-2021 season.
The bullish sentiment starts with this past draft. The Cavs selected Evan Mobley with the No. 3 pick -- who may end up as the most talented in the class -- to join forces with emerging center Jarrett Allen, forming a modern day twin towers in the front court.
The team curiously got involved in a three-way trade that landed them forward Lauri Markkanen, which could spell the end of Kevin Love's time in Cleveland. Love only played 25 games for Cleveland last season.
In the backcourt, the Cavs added veteran Ricky Rubio to help provide some leadership on the floor for what the team hopes is the backcourt of the future in Darius Garland and Collin Sexton.
There may be some growing pains, but Garland showed real promise in his second season. In 33 minutes per game, he averaged 17.4 points and 6.1 assists while playing much more efficiently, hitting on nearly 40% of his three’s. Not to mention, he had a 30% assist rate. When on the floor, this was his offense.
While Cleveland won’t be expected to make a run at the postseason, internal development is going to be huge, and adding Mobley can improve the team's defense and floor spacing. 2020 Draft pick Isaac Okoro will hopefully take a step forward as well and improve Cleveland's defense that has ranked 25th or worse over the past three seasons.
Cleveland Cavaliers Win Total Prediction | 27.5 (Over -110/Under -110)
I’m leaning towards the over on this win total. I’m bullish on the prospects in Cleveland and adding a veteran like Rubio can help with dry spells in the second unit.
Mobley may be a bit thin to bang down low with big men, but Allen has made serious strides over to become not only a rim protector but a threat on offense as well. He averaged just under a double double after being traded from Brooklyn to Cleveland, averaging 13.2 points and 9.9 rebounds.
If Mobley can prove to be a proficient three-point shooter quickly, his shot form is solid and he hit on 30% of his three’s in college, the Cavs can see an uptick on offense overall, especially with the emergence of Garland.
30 wins doesn’t feel out of the realm for Cleveland.
Cleveland Cavaliers Playoff Odds
WynnBET Sportsbook gives the Cavs nearly no chance to make the postseason, listing them at +2000 to make the playoffs.
It does seem long, but I’m not rushing to bet it. The Cavs are still a young roster that has a nice foundation, and may outperform expectations, but postseason is a bit too audacious for this roster.
The goal for Cleveland should be to push for 30 wins and gain confidence that the backcourt of Garland and Sexton can work as the latter is a restricted free agent this season.
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