Should the Cavaliers be the favorites to win the East?

Should the Cavaliers be the favorites to win the East?

The Cleveland Cavaliers had one of the best seasons in their franchise’s history and are looking to make the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in the post-LeBron James era.

They completely unmasked the No. 8-seeded Miami Heat in the first round, setting an NBA record for the largest margin of victory over a single series (122), including a 55-point win in Game 4 without its second-best guard, Darius Garland.

While the road will only get tougher from here, could the Cavaliers legitimately win the East? One former three-time champion thinks it’s a possibility.

“Not only their depth, but their maturity. I love the approach that they’re taking,” ESPN’s Danny Green said recently. “[Donovan Mitchell] is locked in, laser-focused. They’ve shown a ton of growth with winning this series (against the Miami Heat). They don’t seem satisfied at all. They’re ready to win and play.

“With how they’re playing and how healthy they’ve been, I see them as the favorites in the East right now. Boston is struggling against the Orlando Magic. And right now, Cleveland is rolling and they’re laser-focused. I love what they’re doing and how mature they’ve been.”

.@BobbyMarks42 and @DGreen_14 say the Cavs' depth is their most dangerous attribute in the playoffs

"With how they’re playing and how healthy they’ve been, I see [Cleveland] as the favorites in the East right now.” —Danny Green pic.twitter.com/rn2gH2E6ay

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 29, 2025

2024-25 Eastern Conference Semifinal Preview: No. 4 Indiana Pacers v. No. 1 Cleveland Cavaliers

Currently, the Celtics remain the betting favorite to win the conference, according to the Action Network’s consensus odds. Unseating them for the East crown–assuming both teams win their respective semifinal series–is much easier said than done. They still have to get past the Indiana Pacers first.

But I would argue that no team over the last two years is better-suited to upset Boston than these current Cavaliers are right now, assuming both teams are healthy. They have one of the best frontcourts in the NBA, an elite and dynamic backcourt, plus a slew of sharpshooting wings.

At this current juncture, would I pick Boston to beat Cleveland? Most likely. But I think it would be a remarkably fun series to watch because of the level of star talent, contrasting styles and two-way prowess that both teams possess. We’ve seen what both teams are capable of, so it would only be right to see them square off on the East’s biggest stage.

The 40-20 rule suggests they should be in the conversation. Do you think they should be the favorites to win the East? Let us know in the comments!

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