Rival Scout On Cavs’ Postseason Chances: ‘I Think They Can Beat Anybody’

February 24, 2025

At the moment, the Cavaliers hold a six-game lead over the reigning champion Boston Celtics for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Is it sustainable? Most people think the answer is yes. Is it something that can make a difference in the actual playoffs? Well, several rival execs and scouts say … it could.

Basically, as the regular season winds down and the playoff picture tightens, the question being asked is whether the Cavaliers will be able to navigate the postseason gauntlet and topple the Celtics in a potential Eastern Conference Finals showdown.

For some, the Celtics still remain the favorites to emerge from the East for a third time in four seasons.

“I see the Cavs as where Boston was three years ago,” a Western Conference scout said, via Tim Bontemps of ESPN. “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.”

It’s hard to argue with that perspective, given Boston’s wealth of playoff experience and their current form, but not everyone is so quick to count out Cleveland.

The Cavs’ growth under coach Kenny Atkinson this season — especially from first-time All-Star Evan Mobley and point guard Darius Garland — has earned them serious and well-deserved respect across the league. Add to that the trade deadline acquisition of De’Andre Hunter from Atlanta, and Cleveland is seen by many as more than just a playoff contender.

“Before the Hunter trade, I would’ve said the Cavs were shakier,” an Eastern Conference scout said, via Bontemps. “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.”

It’s true, as Hunter’s presence brings a level of versatility that the Cavaliers had been missing, making them an even tougher out in a series against Boston.

“I think they can beat anybody,” the scout added. “They are so balanced and steady, and they’re really not going to beat themselves.”

In short, the Cavaliers’ consistency and balance — coupled with their growth throughout the season — have given many league insiders real confidence that they can match up with, and potentially even defeat, Boston in a seven-game series.

Of course, facing the Celtics is hardly a foregone conclusion, but the Cavs are certainly generating some believers as the regular season nears its conclusion.