The Cleveland Cavaliers have been arguably the best team in the NBA all season long. Not only did they start the season off with an incredible 15-game winning streak, one of the best starts to a season in NBA history, but they’ve kept on winning all season long. You’d think that everyone would have them as the title favorites. Somehow, most people are still expecting the Boston Celtics or Oklahoma City Thunder to hold up the championship trophy when things are all said and done. People are severely underrating the Cavaliers’ championship chances.
The Cleveland Cavaliers Championship Chances Are Underrated
Cavaliers Winning Streak Puts Them in Elite Company
The Cavaliers grabbed another win on Tuesday night, beating the Brooklyn Nets 109-104. They came back from being down in the fourth quarter, outsourcing the Nets 31-18 in the final frame. Darius Garland was electric with 30 points (18 of which came in the fourth quarter), eight assists, and four rebounds. This win brought the Cavaliers’ current winning streak to 15 games, tying their franchise record streak to open the season.
The Cavaliers are the first team with multiple 15-game win streaks in a single season since the ’06-’07 Phoenix Suns. pic.twitter.com/O0RgZ0dlUi
— StatMuse (@statmuse) March 12, 2025
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They are now the first team with more than one 15-game winning streak in the same season since the 2006-07 Phoenix Suns. They are also only the sixth team in NBA history to have two or more such streaks.
The Cavaliers’ Season Stats Are Impressive
At 55-10, the Cavaliers are likely going to finish the season with one of the better records in recent memory. Although they might not have the sexiest roster, they are elite on both ends of the floor. The Cavaliers have the best offense in the league with an offensive rating of 121.8, and the seventh best defensive rating.
That combination is what has kept them at the top of the NBA standings all season long. Unfortunately, they are not alone at the top. Both the Celtics and Thunder have had some great seasons in their own right.
The Cavaliers Championship Odds
The Cavaliers’ dominance is being overlooked. Maybe it is because they play in a small market. Maybe it’s because their roster lacks big name star power. Whatever the reason, it seems like we hear a lot of noise about the Celtics, Thunder, and even the Lakers or Nuggets as title contenders, and not enough about Cleveland.
15 CONSECUTIVE CAVS WINS!
The Cavaliers become the 6th team in NBA history to have multiple 15+ game win streaks in a single season
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Right now, with the best record in the NBA, oddsmakers still only have them as the third most likely team to win the NBA championship. According to ESPN Bet, the Cavaliers have championship odds of +525. Meanwhile, Boston is still the favorite at +180, and OKC is close behind them at +200. The Cavaliers are being disrespected.
The unfortunate truth is that until the Cavaliers prove themselves in the playoffs, they will continue to be underrated. They don’t have a star that is at the level or fame of Jayson Tatum or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Naturally, they will be left out of some championship conversations. However, one thing we know well is that teams, not superstars, win championships, and the Cavs have one of the best teams we’ve seen in a long time.
Photo credit: © Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
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