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OKC Thunder: Analyzing stretch run schedules with view to seeding

By Tamberlyn Richardson

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 26: Anthony Davis
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 26: Anthony Davis /
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OKC Thunder stretch report
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 25: LeBron James /

Cleveland Cavaliers:

As players return the Cavaliers have been looking more cohesive as a team. Perhaps I’m delusional (or desirous of the result),  but it feels like without heavy whistle assistance the Cavaliers defense is going to be an issue.

Case in point, in the Cavaliers last 12 games opponents have averaged 112.25 points per game and only three of those teams are currently seeded, six if you count the Nuggets and Clippers (though they lost two of those matches).

LeBron James is absolutely BEASTING at the moment. The return of Kevin Love has opened up offensive options. But, (and yes it’s a big BUT) how exactly is this team going to stop a solid 2-way team who can score and defend?

Moreover, if the Cavaliers end up facing a tall team (hello Philly and Milwaukee) or an athletic wing/guard team (hello Toronto/Washington) I’m not certain they can  stop them. I guess we’ll know soon enough.

Remaining schedule includes:

  • At Miami Heat, Tuesday 27
  • At Charlotte Hornets, Wednesday 28
  • New Orleans Pelicans, Friday 30
  • Dallas Mavericks, Sunday, April 1
  • Toronto Raptors, Tuesday 3
  • Washington Wizards, Thursday 5
  • At Philadelphia 76ers, Friday 6
  • At New York Knicks, Monday 9
  • New York Knicks, Wednesday 11

Cleveland has nine games to figure out their defense and which players offer two way play. Of the nine, five are against contending playoff teams, four on the road and like the Raptors and Celtics they’ll play two back to back sets.

The toughest stretch for the Cavaliers comes April 3, 5 and 6 versus three teams they could meet in the postseason. Each poses potential problems for the Cavaliers and all are better two-way teams.

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