The Cavaliers are entering the playoffs with high expectations. They are fifth in the final power rankings, only trailing the Detroit Pistons from the east. LeBron James is making a strong run for MVP and Larry Hughes is quickly returning to his pre-injury form.
Cleveland is expected to make it through the first round and give the Pistons a run in round two.
If the Cavs fall short, they will have to feel like the season was a failure.
Cleveland is young when it comes to playoff experience and will find out how much pressure there is when you compete in the extra season. This is where LeBron James needs to step up and show the world why he is the next great NBA star. The Cavs opponent should be meaningless considering they have home court advantage. The first game will determine which team advances, so Cleveland better come out strong.

Just a week or so ago it was assumed that the Cavs would match up with the Wizards in the first round of the playoffs. However, things have gotten extremely tight recently and what happens in the next few days will determine who the fifth seed will be. Washington, Milwaukee, and Chicago all have the chance to play the Cavs in the first round. Here’s a look at all the scenarios and possibilities.

I personally would much rather face the Bucks than any other team. We all know the Wizards have given us trouble and have proven they can beat us, winning the season series 3-1. Even though we swept the Bulls this season, they are hot right now and have the playoff experience from last year.

The Cavaliers got their third straight win as they beat the Boston Celtics 93-88 Monday night. In a game where both teams played their reserves for most of the game, Larry Hughes led the Cavs with 21 points and 5 steals. LeBron James and Paul Pierce both sat out of the game due to their respective injuries. LeBron sitting was just precautionary and he will be ready to go by playoff time.

It seems Hughes is starting to catch his stride and it can’t come at a better time with the playoffs less than a week away. Hughes at full strength can only mean good things for the Cavs.

The Indians regrouped from a frustrating offensive performance on Sunday and let loose on the Tigers Monday afternoon. The Tribe blew out Detroit 10-2 with the help of a big third inning. Casey Blake started the explosion with a solo home run as the Indians went on to score six in the inning. Eduardo Perez was perfect on the day, going 3 for 3 with two doubles and two RBI. Paul Byrd rebounded from his first two starts, allowing only two runs in seven innings as the Indians were able to tie the four-game series.

“Byrd threw good today,” said Joel Skinner, who filled in for Eric Wedge because he was in Cleveland for the birth of his daughter. “He had a lot of strikes and his command was better than it had been in his last two starts. With the big lead he was able to be aggressive and throw with confidence.”

Eduardo Perez continues to impress with his ability to pound left-handed pitching. Jose Hernandez, who was brought in last year to do the same thing, didn’t work out too well but hopefully Shapiro got it right this time with Perez.