The scenario of De’Andre Hunter and the Cleveland Cavaliers facing the Boston Celtics in the 2025 NBA playoffs is a possibility. Which has one insider believing one area of Hunter’s game will help his squad in the hypothetical series.
ESPN released an article discussing multiple teams in the playoff race. NBA insiders shared their insights into the squads, with Brian Windhorst providing his outlook on Hunter and the Cavaliers. He doesn’t think they would be the favorite in a series against Boston, but believes they proved they have made up significant ground following last week’s road victory over the defending champions.
“De’Andre Hunter is a whopping plus-67 in his eight games as a Cav, and he demonstrated on Friday he can play effective situational defense against Boston’s Jayson Tatum. There is no way to shut Tatum down, but Hunter has played hundreds of possessions against Tatum in his career and held him to under 40% shooting,” Windhorst said.
“The Cavs are firmly in control to earn home-court advantage, which might not worry the Celtics, who are the best road team in the NBA. It could, however, prove comforting to the Cavs in getting to start a series at home.”
How De’Andre Hunter has performed for Cavaliers this season
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De’Andre Hunter has been highly effective in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ rotation as they make their case for the 2025 NBA championship.
After eight games with the Cavaliers so far, Hunter is averaging 16 points and 4.1 rebounds. He is shooting 52% from the field, including a scorching 59.5% from beyond the arc. His highly efficient shooting off the bench has elevated the team’s offense as one of the best in the league.
Cleveland has a 50-10 record on the season, boasting the best record in the Eastern Conference. They also lead the league, having a 0.5-game advantage over the West’s leading Oklahoma City Thunder squad.
The Cavaliers prepare for their upcoming road matchup on Tuesday night. They face the Chicago Bulls at 8 p.m. ET.
