Cavs Dribbles: March Madness Underway For NBA, Too

Random dribbles on the Cavaliers ahead of Saturday’s road game vs. the Rockets. …

1. It’s March Madness time, and we all love that. But this isn’t just a meaningful March for the NCAA. It also is for a squad known as the Cleveland Cavaliers.

2. This is what’s known as gearing up for the playoffs, and you’ve got about a month left to do it. If Wednesday’s road win over the New Orleans Pelicans is an indication, then the Cavs should be in good shape.

3. As it stands, the Cavs (42-24) are a half-game behind the Bucks and sit in second in the Central Division and third in the Eastern Conference. If the playoffs were to start today, the Cavs would face the Indiana Pacers in the first round.

4. I think they could live with that.

5. Meanwhile, the Bucks would likely face either Miami or Philadelphia. Translation: I’d rather be third.

6. But this is such a close race and there is still a month to go. Lots can and will happen.

7. While it’s OK for dolts like me to look ahead, the Cavs must focus on the Rockets (31-35). They aren’t going to the playoffs again this season, but they’re no joke. Oh, and they feature Dillon Brooks, one of those players who you love if they’re on your team, but not so much when he’s with the other guys.

8. The Cavs, though, are getting closer to whole. Donovan Mitchell returned Wednesday and now Dean Wade is back after missing three games for personal reasons. (Evan Mobley and Max Strus remain out.)

9. Frankly, I like what I’ve seen from just about everyone this season. They aren’t always the perfect team, but there really is no questioning their effort. They may be the most united (and enjoyable) Cavs team I’ve covered.

10. After this, the Cavs are off to Indiana. Then home vs. Miami. Then at Minnesota. Then at Miami. Someone told me the Cavs have an easy remaining schedule. I’m not seeing it.

11. By the way, tipoff is 5 p.m. EST. At least that way it won’t conflict with the Mac Championship game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse while the Cavs are on the road.

12. Akron vs. Kent State. I grew up 10 minutes from Akron. I went to Kent. I love when they’re both in the title game but I’m also always torn.

13. As for the Cavs, I spoke extensively about them — and told some NBA inside stories from my time covering the team — on my latest 330 To Go show. You can watch it here or on YouTube. I also talked about them on Baskin & Phelps on 92.3 The Fan and you can listen here.

14. That’s it for now. Thanks for following along and talk to you soon.