Can someone please explain how the Cavs, right now are favored to win the East?

[joebatters]

This makes no sense to me. Right now they are about even money to be Eastern Conference champions. While Atlanta is around 2-1, Chicago is 3.5-1 and Toronto 7-1. I would think Chicago would be the favs as they have the better team and also they are the most battle-tested. I know Lebron is the x factor or whatever, but Kevin Love and Kryie Irving have never played in the post season. I can't figure this out.

 

[Vlad the Impaler]

Because the regular season doesn't matter in the least bit in the NBA. Make the playoffs and then put the ball into Lebrons hands, if he was smart he would drive everytime. It is unstoppable.

 

[Vlad the Impaler]

Atlanta is not winning shit. They are actually trying while everyone else is coasting.

1 game for it all. Who would you take? Atlanta or Cleveland?

NBA is a different beast than any others. 1 single player can make the difference. It comes down to how much he cares. It's like playing on an 8 foot goal as an adult vs a 7th grader. I could half ass and I may lose but when it comes down to it, there is no doubt I will win if I really care

 

[joebatters]

Well, I agree about Atlanta and your point about the regular season. And Lebron is driving a lot right now. I just think Chicago is the better team; more playoff tested.

 

[PigskinArmor]

Lebron has a will to win it for his home.

 

[HarryCaray]

Cause people love to bet on LeBron. Plain and simple.

 

[PatsFan1283]

Think last I saw Cle was like +150

Since the trade to get Smith, Moz and Shumpert they've been the best team in the East. Basically got 3 solid roleplayers for next to nothing.

Bulls look good on paper but they've got issues of their own.

 

[Defying]

Public


Only word required

 

[PatsFan1283]

If someone put a gun to your head you aren't taking the Bulls or Hawks over the Cavs. That is why they are favored.

 

[JakeT.]

Cause people love to bet on LeBron. Plain and simple.

Pretty much this. Bulls are the top team in the east by a decent margin IMO.

 

[PatsFan1283]

Pretty much this. Bulls are the top team in the east by a decent margin IMO.

In a related story and potential disclaimer

JakeT is a Bulls fan

 

[Defying]

In a related story and potential disclaimer

JakeT is a Bulls fan

Cavs Hawks Bulls are the only 3 teams that has ay possible shot IMO....

I have no problem with someone saying Bulls are the most talented team in the East... I'd agree with that

 

[Gravy]

Derrick Rose is 1 play away from being sidelined again with all his injuriesand wouldnt count out the Wizards giving someone a scare in the playoffs

 

[Defying]

Derrick Rose is 1 play away from being sidelined again with all his injuriesand wouldnt count out the Wizards giving someone a scare in the playoffs

true.

 

[PatsFan1283]

Cavs Hawks Bulls are the only 3 teams that has ay possible shot IMO....

I have no problem with someone saying Bulls are the most talented team in the East... I'd agree with that

Regardless of any opinion on the teams, the Cavs aren't favored because "the public"

That is just an easy way for people to rationalize having opinions that differ from a line

 

[JakeT.]

In a related story and potential disclaimer

JakeT is a Bulls fan

Bucks fan. Fear the deer.

 

[PatsFan1283]

oh my bad, thought you were a Bulls fan for some reason. Not sure why

Wiggins/Giannis would've been sick. Not sure on Jabari...

Atleast they got Mallory Edens and hedge fund $ now though

 

[JakeT.]

Regardless of any opinion on the teams, the Cavs aren't favored because "the public"

That is just an easy way for people to rationalize having opinions that differ from a line

Even in the preseason it was the Spurs and Cavs leading polls on who would win the NBA Finals. I don't see why you think it's so strange that more people are betting on the Cavaliers than any other team. It's not the only reason the line it as it is but I think it's fair to say it contributes a bit.

 

[JakeT.]

oh my bad, thought you were a Bulls fan for some reason. Not sure why

Wiggins/Giannis would've been sick. Not sure on Jabari...

Atleast they got Mallory Edens and hedge fund $ now though

I wasn't a big fan of the Jabari pick but he has scoring potential. Team really need to improve down low but they have a nice mix of young talent that can play numerous positions. Excited that the team is halfway decent finally.

 

[PatsFan1283]

Even in the preseason it was the Spurs and Cavs leading polls on who would win the NBA Finals. I don't see why you think it's so strange that more people are betting on the Cavaliers than any other team. It's not the only reason the line it as it is but I think it's fair to say it contributes a bit.

At different points this year both ATL and Chi were favs to win the East. Then the Cavs made those 2 trades and they've been winning almost every game since, that is largely why they are back to being favs.