"The league's best teams often teeter on a knife's edge, thriving thanks to continuity but in a constant state of fragility, which explains the current state of the weakened Eastern Conference. The two favorites, who meet in a made-for-television opener Wednesday in New York, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Knicks (7 p.m. ET on ESPN), are in this place because of the consistency of their rosters and misfortune of fellow contenders."
"The gut-churning images of Damian Lillard, then Jayson Tatum, and then Tyrese Haliburton, each taking fateful missteps and tearing their Achilles tendons in a matter of weeks in a painful playoff stretch has provided these two teams with the most precious of NBA opportunities. The window to reach the Finals for the Cavs and Knicks, who return all of their key players with additional depth down their roster, is wide open. For now."
The Eastern Conference is weakened, creating an opportunity for the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks. Both teams retain their core rosters and added depth, giving them a wide window to reach the NBA Finals. Devastating Achilles injuries to Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton removed key competitors and opened the path for these teams. The Cavaliers feature two All-NBA players, Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, plus four players with All-Star experience. The Cavs' payroll approaches $400 million, placing them in the second apron with associated tax and roster limitations. The Knicks enter the season with elevated expectations and a clear target on their backs.
Read at ESPN.com
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