With Brooklyn’s roster changes and Miami’s season-long struggles, the fifth-place Knicks – winners of nine straight since acquiring do-everything wing Josh Hart – are the biggest threat to the Cavs securing home-court advantage in Round One.
“I think that’s something that’s sought after a lot in this league,” Allen said when asked about the importance of home-court advantage. “I’ve never had it, so I don’t know how important it is, but from what I hear, everybody is clamoring over it. I think it’s important.”
Conversely, the Cavs are just 13-19 on the road -- the worst record of any of the top 6 East teams and the third-worst mark of any playoff hopeful in either conference. “You want home court,” Mitchell said recently. “I have had home court maybe two out of my five years and there’s a difference for sure.”
The Cavs can feel the Knicks behind them -- even though players say they aren’t watching the standings. Their lead for No. 4 has shrunk to one game.