Can This Stacked Cavs Team Win Over 47.5 Games This Season?
Even after the extremely disappointing ending to the Cavaliers season last year, it seems pretty safe to say they exceeded all expecations.
Using the term "disappointing" may be a bit harsh, as the season overall was definitely a success, and not many people had them making the play-in tournament at the start of the season. When I use that term, it was pretty "disappointing" to see them blow such a big lead in their win-or-go-home game against the Atlanta Hawks. Again, similar to the Guardians this season, overall they exceeded all expectations put out for them by national media.
How Big Are Expectations This Year?
Before making any assesments of the Cavs, it is only fair to note just how young they are as a club. I know they were great last season and they added a star in Donovan Mitchell, but their exciting young core is still so young.
The Cavs average age went up to 26 years old after acquiring the 26-year old star in Mitchell. Just how young are some of their other notable young studs?
- Darius Garland: 22 years old
- Jarrett Allen: 24 years old
- Evan Mobley: 21 years old
Having added Mitchell to their roster, it is definitely fair to throw a playoff expectation on this team. While they are still so young, they are extremely talented and should expect to be in the playoffs going into the season.
Adding Mitchell automatically puts them in the conversation to be a top-five team in the Eastern Conference. It is a conference that is wide open, and if this star-studded team can mesh well together from the jump, lookout.
Can Cavs Hit Over 47.5 Wins?
According to betJACK, the Cavaliers over/under for total wins is currently set at 47.5. While this seems like a lot from just looking at the number, is it one they can hit?
Taking a look back to last year, the Cavaliers finished the season with a solid record of 44-38.
While that may not seem great, considering media outlets like ESPN and Bleacher Report predicited them to win in the 20's and low 30's for total games last season, they definitely went above and beyond expectations.
Speaking in terms of this season, I don't see how they can't add four more wins to their total from last season in order to hit the over.
They managed to win 44 games while dealing with injuries to just about everyone on their roster. They re-signed Ricky Rubio, someone they hope to have back in December after suffering a season-ending ACL tear. Entering the new season, everyone besides Rubio will be healthy.
Adding Mitchell alone should be able to produce you three-to-four more wins. Having rounded out their roster around him, I see them hitting the over this year and being a 50-plus win team.
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