Danny Cunningham here, the host of the daily Locked On Cavs podcast, with your daily Locked On Cavs newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Cavs and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
How many games can the Cavs win this season?
Welcome to today’s episode of Locked On Cavs, where we dive into the Cleveland Cavaliers’ impressive start to the season and what lies ahead. With the team on pace to break franchise records, we explore the potential for this squad and the impact of Max Strus’s anticipated return.
- Cavs’ Record-Breaking Potential: The Cavaliers are off to a phenomenal start, boasting a 17-1 record. This has sparked discussions about whether they can surpass the franchise record of 66 wins set in the 2008-09 season. While 77 wins might be a stretch, reaching 66 seems attainable given the current form and the Eastern Conference’s competitive landscape.
- Eastern Conference Dynamics: The Eastern Conference isn’t as formidable as expected. Teams like the 76ers and Heat are struggling, which could pave the way for the Cavs to capitalize and secure a high win total. The Knicks and Bucks are showing signs of improvement, but the Cavs’ consistency gives them an edge.
- Betting Market Insights: The betting markets have taken notice of the Cavs’ performance, with their projected win total rising from 48.5 to 58.5. This reflects the team’s strong start and the belief that they can maintain this momentum throughout the season.
- Depth and Rotation: The Cavs’ depth is a significant asset, allowing them to maintain high performance even with injuries. The return of Max Strus will add another layer to their rotation, providing more options for head coach Kenny Atkinson to experiment with lineups.
- Max Strus’s Return: Strus’s return is highly anticipated, and his integration into the lineup will be a key test for Atkinson. Strus’s ability to space the floor and his defensive prowess will be crucial as the Cavs navigate the season’s challenges.
- Lineup Possibilities: With Strus back, Atkinson has the luxury of experimenting with various lineups. A potential closing lineup could feature Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Caris LeVert, Max Strus, and Evan Mobley, offering a blend of shooting, defense, and versatility.
- Upcoming Challenges: The Cavs face a tough stretch of games post-Christmas, including matchups against Denver, Golden State, the Lakers, and Dallas. These games will test the team’s resilience and provide insights into their playoff readiness.
- Kenny Atkinson’s Coaching: Atkinson’s ability to make in-game adjustments and utilize the team’s depth has been a highlight of the season. His strategic decisions, such as playing smaller lineups, have paid off and will be crucial as the season progresses.
As the season unfolds, the Cavs’ journey promises to be exciting, with potential records to break and a deep playoff run in sight. Stay tuned to Locked On Cavs for all the latest news and analysis.
Nov 26, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) shoots the basketball over Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro/Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Here’s the thing, Scary Terry has hops. At 30-years-old and with a decade of play under his belt, Terry Rozier can cut like a knife, shake loose defenders, deflect, drive, and kick the ball out to the wing on a layup with the court vision still 20/20. He shoots, too. Tidy jumpers, deep and swooning corner threes, tricky little one-handed layups, fastbreak two-handed deliveries, Rozier runs through them like a personal rolodex.
Perhaps it’s a good reminder, for you as much as me, that age really doesn’t have anything to do with it. For one, despite what we’re led to believe by watching NBA basketball and listening to people talk about it, 30 isn’t old. Besides age, there’s a more important personal factor: whether an athlete keeps up. NBA basketball gets pushed in new directions every season as competitive teams break the mold and not yet competitive teams try to keep up.
Optimization is an unfortunate word in our modern and decidedly capitalist lexicon, but it’s what good athletes do. If there’s a skill to develop, they figure out what it is. Giannis Antetokounmpo in the mid-range this season is a perfect and very successful example. The bigger thing these smaller improvements add up to are teams with a depth of different weapons to pull out against the seemingly unbeatable juggernauts at the top. Occasionally, front offices identify what their unique skillset or style of play can be — think the decidedly big Cleveland Cavaliers, or the micro, play-every-position, Thunder — and build toward it.
For an athlete like Rozier, who many were quick to call a Kyle Lowry 2.0 when he arrived in Miami, the improvisation he’s shown with the Heat was born out of necessity but also an aptitude for reading the room. The Heat are a workaholic organization with a next-man-up mentality they don’t just talk about as an inspirational soundbite, but is twined through the fibre of all that they do.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Roster Donovan Mitchell is thriving with the Cleveland Cavaliers by embracing a reduced workload, enhancing his performance and benefiting the team overall. (Fear the Sword)
Analysis Donovan Mitchell and Ty Jerome’s on-court chemistry, stemming from childhood experiences, is proving to be a valuable asset for the Cavaliers. Their unique connection is positively impacting team dynamics. Read more about their bond. (Fear the Sword)
Analysis The point guard position is in good hands. Shaun Powell takes stock of the position and what the future looks like. (NBA)
Opinion The NBA can tinker with the All-Star Game format all it wants, but there’s only one fix. (The Athletic, subscription required)
Feel Good What happens with the money collected from fines? How the league turns bad moments into good deeds. (SB Nation)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Another Lauri Markkanen Injury For Fantasy Basketball Managers To Digest
Nov 26, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward/center Lauri Markkanen (23) on the floor after a collision with San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama (1) during the second half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images | Christopher Creveling/Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images
Injury Concerns and Player Updates
Joel Embiid’s ongoing knee issues are another significant concern. With a history of multiple meniscus surgeries, Embiid’s situation remains precarious. His recent absences highlight the risks associated with drafting him early in fantasy leagues. The high failure rate of such surgeries suggests that Embiid’s availability might be limited, making him a risky trade target.
Donovan Clingan’s grade 2 MCL sprain is also noteworthy. The Portland Trail Blazers plan to reevaluate him in two weeks, but this type of injury typically requires a longer recovery period. With Clingan sidelined, players like Ayton and Rob Williams are expected to see increased playing time, making Williams a valuable addition to fantasy rosters.
Lauri Markkanen’s Injury Impact
Lauri Markkanen’s recent knee injury adds another layer of complexity to fantasy basketball strategies. Markkanen, who has been dealing with back and knee issues, was helped off the court after a knee knock. While the injury doesn’t appear to be a severe ACL or MCL tear, it could sideline him for at least a week, if not longer. This development opens up opportunities for players like John Collins to step up and fill the void, potentially increasing their fantasy value.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Cavs podcasts.
The Week Ahead The Cavs will look to get revenge against the Boston Celtics on Sunday in Cleveland, but first have two games with the Atlanta Hawks to take care of.
