Cavs projected for 52 wins with favorable schedule down the stretch

Despite what some may view as a disappointing early season, the Cavaliers still rate out as one of the stronger teams in the Eastern Conference.

That is according to ESPN analytics expert Dean Oliver, who examined the Cavs’ playoff outlook using the network’s Basketball Power Index model.

The numbers paint a fairly optimistic picture.

According to Oliver, the Cavs currently project to finish 52-30 and have a 98 percent chance of landing somewhere in the top four in the East. Cleveland also ranks fifth overall in playoff strength based on BPI projections.

Offensively, the Cavs remain among the league’s best when adjusting for strength of schedule.

Where things get interesting is the remaining slate. Oliver notes that the Cavs have the 29th toughest schedule left in the NBA, meaning they face one of the easier paths to the finish line.

Seven of their remaining opponents are considered tanking teams.

There are also no head-to-head matchups remaining against the Celtics or Knicks, meaning the Cavs largely controls their own positioning simply by taking care of business.

Oliver also acknowledged the lingering narrative around the Cavs. Basically, they have produced strong regular seasons in recent years but have yet to translate that success into a deep playoff run.

Last season’s second-round exit to the Pacers only reinforced that perception.

Still, as star guard Donovan Mitchell has suggested throughout the year, the adversity the Cavs have faced may ultimately help them once the playoffs begin.