Who’s Got Next?
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Apologies for how desolate it’s been around here the last week. That’s what happens when the Cavs sweep and get nine days off between series. It almost starts to feel like the off-season… and we all spend time on our day jobs we’ve neglected on game days. But, tonight (finally) we’ll discover the identity of the Eastern Conference Finals opponent the Cavs will face starting on Wednesday. Will it be the Wizards led by John Wall who hit a last second three to force Game 7? Or, will it be the Celtics fueled by their emotional diminutive dynamo Isaiah Thomas? And, more importantly… will it matter?
Both of these teams have shown themselves to be scrappy, physical try hard squads who have relied on will as much as talent to reach a seventh game in their series. It’s pretty obvious they don’t like each other, although tempers haven’t flared too much beyond the Double Kelly Shove-down in Game 3. They’ve instead reserved their barbs for off the court, like about who should rightfully get to wear black on game day. Neither team has been able to win on the other’s floor, however, so even though it’s gone to a deciding seventh game, there haven’t been many surprises.
The Cavs probably would just love to play a game again, since they haven’t even been allowed to do 5-on-5 scrimmages since Edy Tavares broke his hand in practice last week. They obviously wouldn’t want to give either Washington or Boston any motivation by declaring who they’d rather face in the next round, but that hasn’t stopped bored fans from speculating on who they’d like to see. On one hand, the Wiz have the edge of a strong starting five that boasts one of the best backcourts in the NBA, and a true difference-maker in Wall. Yet, their bench leaves much to be desired once the starters are off the floor. On the other hand, the Celtics have the edge of a multitude of physical role players they can send at teams in waves, punctuated by Thomas’ offensive fireworks. Yet, their lack of true length and rebounding leaves them vulnerable.
The extremely well-rested Cavs should have few problems handling whichever team emerges victorious from this drawn out battle, primarily because neither should be able to hang with Cleveland in the scoring department. Provided the Cavs continue their upward trend with respect to their defensive intensity, it shouldn’t be a question of whether they will win… but how many games it will require to do it. It’s possible that Boston holds a slightly larger advantage given that they have home court even over the Cavs as the number one seed. Yet, that factor didn’t help the Hawks much two years ago.
Prediction: The Celtics get the calls and the luck of the Irish at home, and get in line to be the Cavs’ next victim, as they finish off the Wizards… 118-114.
Follow along tonight at 8pm (EST) on TNT, and sound off here on who you’d like to see prevail…
Just ran about 10 simulations on ESPN’s draft lottery, not a single one had Boston selecting higher than the number 4. I’m going to take that as a sure thing that Boston won’t get the first pick tonight.
I say they do. Either Boston or the Lakers. I absolutely think the draft lottery is rigged.
I think that the Cavs have several extra incentives to go after the Celtics. First, there is the memory of that Olynyk thing two years ago. Second, the Cavs might feel as if the Celtics stole their top seed right at the end. Third, if they win two in Boston, they can close it out at home, something that hasn’t happened for a while.
Cavs in four.
Anyone who is worried, remember this. The Wizards started outscored Boston’s starters by 75! points over the series. Does anyone think Cleveland’s starters are worse? And Washington’s bench was trash but Cleveland’s bench consists of awesome shooters and LEBRON JAMES on the court.
Sweep.
I would say 5. To me the only game the Celtics could win would be game #1. The Celtics should be tired too after a long 7 games series and that should help the Cavs.
Agreed. Could be 5 for rust reasons.
5 for me too. Rust for the Cavs and the Celtics are rolling with euphoria. Game 1 – Celtics at home.
Whose Got Next might also sadly be the title of a Cavs GM search. I am increasingly pessimistic that DG resigns with the Cavs. Some of Griffin’s comments make him sound a bit weary, and as others have said, he may want a new challenge constructing another team. Would love to know whether Cavsdan actually made an aggressive offer at this point, or if there is some unspoken friction between the two. After last year, that’s perhaps hard to fathom, but it’s so unusual how quiet this contractual negotiation or lack thereof has been. Perhaps Gilbert even wants to move… Read more »
I really don’t think it would be surprising to see Griffin move on. As a GM, the Cavs job doesn’t look all that attractive IMO. We don’t have any assets to play with and won’t for a few years. At this point the GM is just tinkering and hoping the mega contracts these guys have don’t bite them in the azz. As far as challenges go, what is there to do as the Cavs GM moving forward? Moving to a younger team where you can try to shape it seems like it would be more fun for Griffin (or any… Read more »
Younger team? We have two young stars in Irving and Love. And still prime LeBron. and young TT.
My only thing about this is that he has regularly talked about building a lasting franchise. Something with continuity and stability. That would only matter to him if he planned on staying with the Cavs thru sustained success.
Cuz who would want to be a GM of a dynasty right? Same way when you make a lot of money you just light it on fire and start at the beginning again because you just like the challenge?
I don’t see a universe where Griffin leaves; this place is a good fit for him and I’m sure they’re not worrying about negotiating contracts right now with a championship in the balance
cavs will sweep. this is the time to follow Cols. we will have a difficult time beating the warriors…but we will beat them. They are a good defense against teams with one head. against teams with more than one fulcrum…they aren’t actually that good. The NBA doesn’t have that many teams with more than 1 head right now, and even fewer with three ways to attack. The cavs have 3 ways and then some. It will be a fun repeat. the celtics are flees. We will destroy them. They are ill equipped to deal with the freaking wizards…let alone a… Read more »
I do not know if we will beat the warriors. But yeah. Celtics are no problem.
I hope LeBron comes out so rested that he is bouncy and springy like he was against Toronto in Game 1 (and all series). I could see a monster game from him, even if we are a bit rusty; like we did against Toronto in Game 1.
Boston will be mentally drained after a 7 game series and gets 1 day of rest. We should absolutely blow them out in Game 1 IMO.
I think we will start off slow and Nate will panic.
Cavs should sweep the Celtics if they play their game. The Celtics could steal a game or two if the Cavs aren’t focused. Hopefully, they come out unscathed. That’s my only fear playing the Celtics. They can get a bit dirty. I’d rather save our “break glass if you need Dahntay Jones to clip someone” for the Warriors.
I’d be pretty surprised if Boston doesn’t at least win one. They take craploads of threes, and they’ll likely have at least one game where they shoot around 50% from out there, and scrubs like Smart and Olynyk hit everything they throw up.
Sounds about right. Cavs in 5. Love has had many big games vs the Celts, so perhaps he will be a bigger factor in our offense too.
Why are people so high on Wall? Second best player in the East? That’s crazy. Paul George is the second best player in the east by a huge margin.
IT, Butler, Giannis, DeRozan, & Lowry in the discussion as well.
There all better than George especially Gianni.
Kyrie, if not in the shadows of LeBron, would also be a #2 contender in the East.
It’ll be nice to clinch at home for once
They did a couple of times in 14-15… against Bulls and Hawks…
Nevermind… just against the Hawks…
I think it’s funny that Nate thinks the Celtics are good.
Objectively, they are good this year. They won the most games in the east and won their 2 playoff series to get to the ECF. Obviously they’re not much of a threat to beat the other teams left at this point, but they are still better than 3/4 of the teams in the league. And they have a payroll under the luxury tax and a zillion lottery picks coming.
Trash. They have zero chance
Don’t need picks when you have Kelly Olynk shooting like an ugly Klay Thompson
Hahaha. LOL
I sure hope the Cavs remember how to play after all this time.
That’s my only worry, it could turn into a copy of game 1 between the Spurs and Warriors. But if the Cavs play solid defense they could overcome a cold shooting start at the end. Defense will be key.
So Tristian is going to hobble IT if we’re losing?
Lol I meant in terms of the slow start from the Warriors in game 1.
Can’t wait for the ECF to begin. It would be great if the Cavs sweep them but after this long lay off maybe the Celtics will take game 1. Probably winning game 1 could be the only chance for the Celtics to get a W in the series.
Celtics small lineup just torched the Wizards. Gortat, Morris, and Porter useless in the 4th quarter for the most part. Beal was the only one kind of keeping them in the game.
At one point, Wall has the ball with Porter on the block against IT, and instead of feeding him Wall just dribbles away and ends up jacking up a brick.
Celtics will be annoying if something happens and they start believing they can win. With any luck this won’t happen, though.
It is the Celtics. Hopefully Kawhi can get healthy & the Spurs can circle the wagons for game 3.
I believe it was a good decision from the Spurs side to sit him for game 2. They know the only chance they have of beating the Warriors is with a healthy Kawhi.
Really not looking forward to this next series even though the Cavs should win easily. Let’s hope we get some decent officials to keep the Celtics under control.
Sweep
Hopefully injury-free this time.
Man, Wall messed up my prediction with all those terrible missed threes…
Wonder how many Cavs get injured in their 5 game series with Boston…
Wall celebrated one game too early. Way too much flexing for a game six semi-finals winner. Came up small tonight
Ha yup!
Said that right as I saw him jumping on the announcers’ table.
Trash. Nate. You have to admit they are trash.
And LOL, Smart with the trash to seal it. This team sucks so bad.
Wall really stunk it up in the 4th…lots of lazy threes, and not much else. And he wasn’t hitting the threes. Would have been better off just riding Beal with the hot hand, but they still probably lose, since they apparently are unable to contest All NBA Kelly Olynyk’s shots.
He ran out of gas.
Also lol John Wall being the second best player in the playoffs. Some commentator said that to start this series. He hit an unlikely 3 in game 6 but he’s 0-9 with a few turnovers in this game 7 in the second half.
The best players are the clear. LeBron. Kawhi. Curry. Durant. Everyone else is a level down. IT. Russ. Harden.
The second best player on the east is a tie between PG and Kyrie.
These kind of games make you appreciate how mentally superior LeBron compared to the rest of the league. How fragile these players are is startling.
Wiz just have zero bench…
Man that dude is annoying…
http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/3020875/kelly-olynyk-unicorn-pegasus-sexytime.jpg
Seriously??? Lol Kelly O
Washington’s bench is super trash… absolutely not one usable guy.
SOOOOOOOOOOOO anoying to see Olynk go on a run in the 4th, like really ? Never forget.
Reason I rather WAS is because of homecourt and I dont want any injuries
Lol at Olynick. Game, Blouses
James streak of winning a road playoff game is just two days away now
Wall gassed. looks like ball game.
If you let a chump like Olynyk beat you, you truly deserve to lose…
Wizards showing some heart. Thought they might be done.
Sweep by Cavs. This is ugly
Does Gortat have a Thor Tat?
And the wizards make their run.
These teams suck.
Either say something intelligent, or don’t comment.
Truth hurts huh
No stupid hurts
+1…
Wall just loses focus too often to be great.
Especially on defense.
Such eloquent commentary. Thanks
Scott Brooks is the worst.
Nah. Stevens is worse
Brooks has a much longer record of playoff failure.
Stevens has won all of one series.
Both statements are true.
If LeBron got calls the way Isaiah Thomas does, he’d score 50 a game.
Gortat has been so awful this game
Brown stinks.
Trash. Cavs sweep
So tired of the Bullets giving Horford wide, wide, wide open threes…even Mozgov could hit those…
Smart is terrible. Got away with a foul on that ‘block’, too…dude picks up fouls as quickly as Bray would, if they called Bray’s fouls…
Boston leads the universe in having players on their team who I very much dislike, and who are inarguably bad players.
Warriors are worse for disliking.
They at least have good players.
Who choke
They won a championship. End of argument.
Since they are just ‘chokers’, the Cavs win against them means nothing. Never thought I’d hear you say that.
I’m sure the Cavs would beat any of these 2 teams in 5 games but I just wonder if with the series starting in Boston (if the Celtics can hold to this lead) how will that affect the Cavs in game 1 after the long lay off?
4
If the Cavs have been practicing and getting ready it like they should you are 100% right it should be 4.
Boston is not well coached.
Gortat is so dumb lol.
God, Rozier stinks…hes the kind of player President Stevens loves though….
man I just want to watch the Cavs. This downtime has been brutal
I’m with you.
Trash. Both of these teams
Washington sucks. Not well coached. Severely lacking in offensive schemes. Not impressed with defensive energy and discipline either.
Boston has less talent than Washington, but is better coached. More disciplined, more energy. But yea, neither team is near the Cavs in any facet of the game.
God I hate Olynyk. He pushes off on Mahinmi and Mahinmi gets the foul call.
Jalyn Brown is gonna be a player.
OUCH CARRASCO WALKING OFF THE MOUND WITH THE TRAINER ( THOUGHT THE CURSE OF THE ROCK WAS OVER )——-BRING ON THE CELTS MIGHT AS WELL PLAY A “DIRTY ” TEAM TO GET READY FOR THE “DIRTY DUBS “
I would never reward Olynyk with a charge call…
HEY JUST LIKE THE CAVS ” WE HERE AT CTB NEED TO DUST OFF THE RUST ALSO “—-WILL BE GOOD TO BE BACK LIVE FOLLOWING THE CAVS AGAIN ………….JUST LISTENED TO POPS NARRATIVE ON ZAZA SO CALLED CLOSE OUT …..POP TELLS IT LIKE IT IS —-DID NOT HAVE A WHOLE LOT OF POSITIVE TO SAY ABOUT ZAZA…..SO SAY WHAT YOU WANT— I AM GOING WITH POP AND CALLING THE PLAY “DIRTY “
Wall looking like he doesn’t want to be there…
Refs already making it known not to even look at IT…
Wow, maybe Horford won’t hit every trash shot he theows up for a change. Terrible foul by Beal, though.
That was not a foul. Dude lightly placed his hand on his chest.
Can’t even look like you’re touching Thomas…at least he got a cheapo on the other end himself.
It’s amazing how much the refs baby him
Nice, and EG game score prediction on a non-Cavs game !!!
I’m expecting the Celts to win this one and to do so in a convincing manner. Like I wrote on the previous post, I think Wall (and the Wiz) overdid themselves trying to win the last game, to the
…To the point they are not able to give 100% in this game. Maybe I’m wrong because I would rather see the Wiz against the Cavs in the ECF.
Stupid phone :(
Looks like the minute police have found a presidential ally:
10/ Trump thinks that exercising too much uses up the body’s “finite” energy. Trump mostly gave up athletics after college because he “believed the human body was like a battery, with a finite amount of energy, which exercise only depleted.” (Washington Post)
Hahaha.
I hate the Warriors as much as anyone, and I’ve watched the videos and the talking heads and the Pops, but I gotta say the narrative reminds me a lot of the things people were saying about Delly when he rolled up on Korver. I’m finding it hard to believe that ZaZa was either intentionally doing it or was wildly out of line for closing out the way he did. However, the Jalen Rose part where he admits to doing it on purpose to Kobe was pretty interesting as a counterpoint to exactly how much control these athletes have on… Read more »
Really not sure what to think of this Wiz-Celtics game, but if I were to predict with my head, I’d definitely go Celtics. Their crappy role players can’t miss from outside at home, and the Wiz crappy role players can’t make a layup on the road. I think that’ll tell the story. For the Wiz to win, they are going to need to get huge games from 2 of Wall, Beal and Porter, and the third will need to have a good game. That, or the Celtics will need to kick the ball all over the court, as they did… Read more »
Frauds are so dirty. Ugh to that team. I feel sorry for anyone who was unlucky enough to be a fan of that horrible bunch of players.
All due respect EG to your creepily accurate final score predictions in previous games, but I think tou are way off here. I would expect something like 95-91. I also think Boston will win as well, who I think will prepare the Cavs better for the showdown against the Dirty Warriors.
On another topic, there is a not so improbable chance that both the Cavs and the Warriors reach the Finals undefeated. How cool would that be?
You may be right GCF… although Celtics have averaged 125 points in their three home games against the Wiz, and the Wiz have averaged 110… If the game were being played in Washington, I’d probably have adjusted the prediction closer to your numbers since the averages are 109 for the Wiz and 94 for the Celtics…
Game 7s are much more difficult to score in. Just ask Steph and Klay.
Well, neither of these teams is probably capable of playing the kind of D the Cavs did in that Game 7…
And how about Pop going in on Zaza?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7b0GOtykTtA
Thanks for sharing this; very interesting
Thanks for sharing. Pop didn’t just talked about yesterday’s incident, he added 2 more incidents so there’s definitely a pattern. The league has to look at this seriously.
He’s right. But The NBA outlawed this type of closeout cause of Bruce Bowen and his play under Pop.
Thanks for the piece, EG. This lackluster series going to 7 games just reinforces the low opinion folks already have of the Eastern Conference. Oh well.
But I’m interested in the weakness of predictive models. I read recently that FiveThirtyEight gives the Cavs only a 52% chance of making the finals and 5% chance of winning it. I’m a homer, but it’s safe to say that anyone with sense would not see our chances as that slim.
FiveThirtyEight factors in regular season trends into their predictive models I believe, which skews it wildly against the Cavs in this case… I mean, if you were an alien who just landed on this planet with no context of the difference between the NBA regular season and playoffs, you’d look at the way the Cavs finished the second half of the season and probably give them similar odds… This is why I don’t put any real stock in what that site has to say…