As the 2023-24 NBA season approaches, the Cleveland Cavaliers are gearing up for an exciting year. With key players stepping up and strategic offseason moves, the Cavs are a team to watch. Let’s dive into the Cavaliers’ playoff chances and season-long props in this preview.
Cavaliers Playoff Chances
Heading into the 2023-24 season, the Cavaliers have a 93% chance of making the playoffs, according to DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Odds to make playoffs: -1400
- Percent to make playoffs: 93%
Cavaliers Season-Long Props & Futures
- NBA Champion: +3000
- Conference Winner: +1000
- Division Winner: +270
- Regular season wins: 50.5
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Cleveland Cavaliers 2022-23 Season Recap
The 2022-23 season was a significant one for the Cleveland Cavaliers. After a few years of rebuilding, the team made a significant leap, finishing with a 51-31 record, a marked improvement from their 44-38 record in the 2021-22 season. This impressive performance earned them the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference, a testament to their growth and development as a team.
Donovan Mitchell’s Career Year
The Cavaliers’ success was largely driven by the performances of key players like Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. Mitchell, acquired from the Utah Jazz in the 2022 offseason, had a career year, averaging 28.3 points per game. Garland, on the other hand, continued to show why he’s considered one of the league’s rising stars, averaging 21.7 points and 21.6 points in his previous two seasons.
Injuries & First-Round Playoff Exit
However, the Cavaliers’ season wasn’t without its challenges. The team was hit with a significant blow when center Jarrett Allen suffered a left ankle bone bruise, sidelining him for at least two weeks. Despite this setback, the team showed resilience, with players like Evan Mobley stepping up in Allen’s absence.
In the playoffs, the Cavaliers faced off against the New York Knicks in the first round. Despite their regular-season success, the Cavaliers were unable to replicate this in the playoffs, falling to the Knicks in five games. This early exit was a disappointment for the team, but it also served as a valuable learning experience.
Offseason Changes: Adding Depth
The Cavaliers made some strategic moves during the offseason to bolster their roster and address some of the weaknesses that were exposed during the playoffs. The team’s primary focus was to improve their offensive capabilities and add depth to their roster.
One of the key additions to the Cavaliers’ roster is Max Strus, a shooting guard who was acquired from the Miami Heat. Strus is known for his shooting prowess, having shot 37% from beyond the arc in his previous season. His addition to the team is expected to improve the Cavaliers’ 3-point shooting, which was a weak point for them last season.
Another significant acquisition is Georges Niang, a small forward from the Philadelphia 76ers. Niang is a versatile player who can contribute both offensively and defensively. He shot 40% from the 3-point line last season and is expected to add depth to the Cavaliers’ roster.
The team also added Ty Jerome, a shooting guard from the Virginia Cavaliers, and Damian Jones, a center from the Vanderbilt Commodores. Both players are expected to provide depth and versatility to the team’s roster.
Re-signing Caris LeVert
In addition to these new additions, the Cavaliers also re-signed Caris LeVert, a shooting guard who played a significant role in the team’s success last season. LeVert’s versatility and adaptability were key assets for the team, and his re-signing is a positive sign for the Cavaliers’ continuity and stability.
However, the team also had to deal with the loss of Jarrett Allen due to an ankle injury. Allen’s absence is a significant blow to the team, but the Cavaliers have players like Evan Mobley who can step up in his absence.
Key Players in 2023-24
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ success in the upcoming 2023-24 NBA season will largely hinge on the performances of their key players. Here’s a closer look at the players who are expected to make a significant impact this season.
- Donovan Mitchell: Mitchell, who was acquired from the Utah Jazz in the 2022 offseason, had a career year last season, averaging 28.3 points per game. His scoring prowess and ability to create plays will be crucial for the Cavaliers’ offensive performance. Mitchell’s experience and leadership will also be key in guiding the team’s young core.
- Darius Garland: Garland has consistently shown why he’s considered one of the league’s rising stars. He has averaged 21.7 points and 21.6 points in his previous two seasons, showcasing his scoring ability and playmaking skills. Garland’s continued development and performance will be key to the Cavaliers’ success this season.
- Evan Mobley: Mobley stepped up in a big way last season, especially in the absence of Jarrett Allen due to injury. He averaged 16.2 points, 2.8 assists, 9 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks a night, showing his versatility and ability to contribute on both ends of the court. Mobley’s development and performance will be crucial for the Cavaliers, especially in terms of their defensive performance.
- Max Strus and Georges Niang: These two new additions to the Cavaliers’ roster are expected to provide the offensive boost the team needs. Strus, known for his shooting prowess, shot 37% from beyond the arc in his previous season, while Niang, a versatile player who can contribute both offensively and defensively, shot 40% from the 3-point line last season. Their ability to stretch the floor and knock down shots will be key to the Cavaliers’ offensive strategy.
- Caris LeVert: LeVert, who re-signed with the Cavaliers during the offseason, played a significant role in the team’s success last season. His versatility and adaptability were key assets for the team, and his re-signing is a positive sign for the Cavaliers’ continuity and stability.
These key players, along with the rest of the Cavaliers’ roster, will need to perform consistently and step up in key games for the team to achieve their goals for the season.
Strength: Defense
The Cleveland Cavaliers have several strengths that they can leverage in the 2023-24 NBA season. One of their key strengths is their young and talented core, which includes players like Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley. These players have shown their ability to perform at a high level and have the potential to develop further in the upcoming season.
Another strength of the Cavaliers is their defensive prowess. Last season, the team led the NBA in points allowed per 100 possessions, showcasing their ability to limit their opponents’ scoring opportunities. The team’s defensive performance will be crucial in a highly competitive Eastern Conference.
The Cavaliers’ offseason moves also add to their strengths. The addition of sharpshooters Max Strus and Georges Niang could provide the offensive boost the team needs. Both players have proven their ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc, which could enhance the team’s offensive capabilities.
Weakness: 3-Point Shooting
However, the Cavaliers also have some weaknesses that they need to address. One of their key weaknesses is their 3-point shooting. Last season, the team ranked 24th in the league in 3-point attempts. While the addition of Strus and Niang could help address this weakness, the team will need to improve their 3-point shooting to compete effectively in the modern NBA, where 3-point shooting is increasingly important.
Another weakness is the team’s reliance on key players. While players like Mitchell and Garland have shown their ability to perform at a high level, the team’s performance could suffer if these players are injured or underperform. The injury to Jarrett Allen is a case in point. In Allen’s absence, the team will need players like Mobley to step up, which could be a challenge.
Conclusion
The team’s key players, such as Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley, have shown their ability to perform at a high level and are expected to continue to develop and deliver impressive performances. The addition of sharpshooters Max Strus and Georges Niang could provide the offensive boost the team needs to compete effectively in the modern NBA.
However, the Cavaliers will need to navigate potential challenges, such as the injury to key player Jarrett Allen and the highly competitive nature of the Eastern Conference. The team’s ability to perform consistently throughout the season and under pressure in key games will be crucial in achieving their goals for the season.
In terms of betting odds, the Cavaliers are considered strong contenders in their division and conference, and they are expected to make another playoff appearance. While they are not the favorites to win the NBA Championship, their odds suggest that they have the potential to make a deep playoff run.