If Milwaukee Bucks superstar Damian Lillard isn’t back soon, they may lose to the Indiana Pacers in the first round which would help the Cavs avoid Giannis Antetokounmpo who could prove to be a nightmare matchup with his extraordinary athleticism and power.

The Cavs need to check several boxes to meet their expectations during the 2025 NBA playoffs. Two atop the list involve Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — The Cavs had a big-picture plan to be fully healthy heading into the 2025 NBA Playoffs. The plan worked. As Cleveland returned to the practice floor Thursday afternoon, its first full session ahead of Sunday night’s first-round series opener against either Atlanta or Miami, there were no lingering injury concerns.