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Heading into their final Group A matchup in the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament against the Atlanta Hawks, the Cleveland Cavaliers are still alive. In a metaphysical sense, they never actually passed on to the great unknown. Instead, the Cavs have a slim chance to make the In-Season Tournament playoffs as the lone Eastern Conference Wild Card in the knockout portion of the tournament.
The first step for Cleveland is to beat Atlanta at home, giving the Cavs a 3-1 overall record in their Eastern Conference quintet. But, after that, Cleveland will need quite a bit of help from frenemies across the Eastern Conference. It can be a lot to break down so, here are the matchups Cavs fans have to watch if Cleveland can clip Atlanta's wings.
Charlotte Hornets vs. New York Knicks
In short, the Cavs need the Charlotte Hornets to sting the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. But, considering that Charlotte isn't the greatest team, it could be rough sledding for the Hornets. Especially when they'll likely be without LaMelo Ball against New York, who is dealing with a strained right ankle.
While the Hornets have won two of their last three contests, it was because Ball was available and dominant for them. Charlotte has rookie forward Brandon Miller and Terry Rozier to help carry the load offensively. But, with how flawed the Hornets are and the fact that the Knicks are totally healthy, this could sink Cleveland's chances to make the knockout portion of the tournament again.
Granted, the Hornets upset the Boston Celtics not too long ago, so anything can be possible for Charlotte. But if the Knicks defend home court, there's still a scenario where the Cavs can make it. It'll just be harder to do so. More on that in a bit.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Miami Heat
Compared to the other matchup to watch, at least this one between two of the Eastern Conference's very best will be fun. In this game, Cleveland needs the Milwaukee Bucks to defend Fiserv Forum against the Miami Heat, a team that punked the Cavs not too long ago.
Regarding injuries, the Bucks will be without Jae Crowder while Khris Middleton is questionable with left Achilles tendonitis. The Heat, meanwhile, will be without Milwaukee native Tyler Herro, R.J. Hampton and Dru Smith. Jimmy Butler and Haywood Highsmith are listed as game-time decisions while Bam Adebayo is considered probable.
If Butler is unavailable, then Milwaukee should be able to handle Miami despite struggling to find an offensive identity. If Butler can go, it'll be an explosive albeit much more stressful contest for Cavs fans.
Toronto Raptors vs. Brooklyn Nets
For this game, Cleveland needs the Brooklyn Nets to handle a Toronto Raptors team that the Cavs struggled with not long ago. While Max Strus isn't available to bail Brooklyn out like he did for Cleveland, the Nets could have the firepower to handle the pesky Raptors despite having no Ben Simmons available.
While Simmons is the only player out for Brooklyn, Cameron Johnson is probable, Dennis Smith Jr. and Nic Claxton are game-time decisions and firebrand scorer Cam Thomas is doubtful. On Toronto's side, the only players missing are those on assignment with the Raptors 905, their NBA G League affiliate or Christian Koloko, who is dealing with a respiratory illness.
The Nets are on a two-game winning streak heading into this matchup while the Raptors have been up and down all year. It'll be a grind, but there's reason to believe in Brooklyn in this contest.
Boston Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls
Other than the Knicks-Hornets tilt, this matchup between the league-best Boston Celtics and league-bottom-feeding Chicago Bulls could be dire for the Cavs. Other than Lonzo Ball and the players on G League Assignment, Zach Lavine and Alex Caruso are considered game-time decisions for the Bulls.
Meanwhile, the Celtics will also miss their G League assignments and Kristaps Porzingis, who is dealing with a strained left calf. Furthermore, Jrue Holiday is a game-time decision and Derrick White is considered probable for Boston.
Upsets can happen, and if Holiday and White are unavailable, then the Bulls have a better chance of beating the Celtics. But don't be surprised if that doesn't go Cleveland's way, leading us to the final chance for the Cavs to clinch.
Run up the scoreboard
The Cavs need to banish Atlanta to the shadow realm early into this game and keep burying until they're 60 feet under the ground. The point differential makes it tricky but, if the wins Cleveland needs from other teams don't happen, it's the only path for the Cavs to head to Las Vegas.
