The Cleveland Cavaliers would be looking for payback against the Boston Celtics in the NBA playoffs. Several insiders even believe they have a chance to beat the defending champions this time around.
ESPN reporter Tim Bontemps published an article detailing 10 questions to focus on regarding the league. One of them involved the Celtics and Cavaliers, sourcing NBA scouts who gave their explanations on why Cleveland can beat Boston in a playoff series this season.
“For some, Boston is still a sizable favorite to come out of the East for a third time in four seasons. “I see the Cavs as where Boston was three years ago,” a West scout said. “A lot of promise, going the right way, but not there yet. They can definitely overachieve and make me look foolish for saying that, but I suspect the Celtics beat them,”” – reported.
“That, however, was not a universal opinion. With the growth from first-time All-Star Evan Mobley, the Cavaliers’ consistent level of play and the addition of De’Andre Hunter from Atlanta at the trade deadline, Cleveland was given a real shot to beat Boston, multiple people told ESPN.
“Before the Hunter trade, I would’ve said the Cavs were shakier,” an East scout said. “Hunter isn’t a lockdown guy, but he’s another option to throw on [Jayson] Tatum and [Jaylen] Brown, he’s having a career year, and they didn’t have a guy like that before. I think they can beat anybody. They are so balanced and steady, and they’re really not going to beat themselves.”
Why Cavaliers have shot against Celtics in potential playoff duel
David Richard-Imagn Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers lost to the Boston Celtics in the 2024 East Semis. Which is why a rematch against the defending champions would carry a lot of weight.
The Cavaliers have a lot of momentum going their way. They have excellent team play, star displays from Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, and solid defensive performances from Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. If any team in the East has a solid chance at beating Boston, Cleveland stands out as the best candidate.
Cleveland boasts a 47-10 record on the season, commanding the top spot of the Eastern Conference standings. They lead the Celtics by six games, showing their persistence in having homecourt advantage over every East team.
The Cavaliers will prepare for their next matchup, facing the Orlando Magic on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET.
