This year has been a dream season for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Just a year removed from their second straight playoff disappointment, Cleveland made minimal changes but has seen major growth. The Cavs are an NBA-best 52-10 heading into their matchup on Friday night against the Charlotte Hornets. Additionally, they come in on a 12-game winning streak, their third such of the season. While it feels like the Cavs may never lose again, how realistic are their chances at becoming the third-ever team to crack the 70-win mark?<\/p>\n
To achieve the historic 70-win season, the Cavs would have to win at least 18 of their remaining 20 games. If they do so, they will join<\/a> the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls and the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors with 70+ wins. Cleveland’s chances are little to none to achieve this remarkable feat; however, their strength of schedule could help them out. The Cavs have the 23rd hardest remaining<\/a> strength of schedule with just an average win percentage of 48.7%.<\/p>\n Cleveland’s toughest games remaining include the New York Knicks twice, the Milwaukee Bucks, and Memphis Grizzlies. The Cavs are a combined 5-0 against these three teams boding well for them down the stretch.<\/p>\n As mentioned above, the Cavs are on a 12-game winning streak, their third win streak of at least 12 games this season. Cleveland is just the second team ever to achieve this, joining the 2006-07 Dallas Mavericks<\/a> team. For the Cavs to finish with at least 70 wins they would likely need to either extend their current win streak to at least 20 games or go on another 10+ game win streak.<\/p>\n An issue that could arise as Cleveland chases history is the resting of their starters. Over the past week, both Donovan Mitchell<\/a> and Evan Mobley<\/a> sat out of a game each for rest. Currently, the Cavs are 7.5 games ahead<\/a> of the second-place Boston Celtics<\/a> meaning they could clinch the first seed in the Eastern Conference way before they win 70 games. Cleveland’s main concern is finishing the season healthy and as the first seed in the playoffs, but if they flirt with the 70-win mark do not be surprised if Cleveland makes a push for it.<\/p>\n The current Cavs franchise record for wins during the regular season<\/a> is 66 during the 2008-09 season with a young LeBron James<\/a>. If Cleveland wants to tie that record they must go 14-6 in their final 20, to reach 67, and break the record, they would have to go 13-7. The Cavs’ current win percentage is .839, which puts them on pace to win at least 16 of their final 20, breaking the franchise record for wins in a season.<\/p>\nWin Streaks<\/h3>\n
Resting Players<\/h3>\n
Franchise Record<\/h3>\n
The Last Word<\/h3>\n