The Boston Celtics have long been considered Eastern Conference favorites.
Yet as the season progresses, whispers of the Cleveland Cavaliers have grown louder, challenging the narrative that Boston’s path to the Finals is all but guaranteed.
Even longtime Celtics devotees are beginning to question their team’s dominance.
Bill Simmons, whose Celtic fandom dates back to watching Larry Bird’s heroics at Boston Garden, recently voiced surprising skepticism about his beloved team’s championship chances.
On his latest podcast, Simmons raised eyebrows by suggesting the Cleveland Cavaliers might actually be the East’s true powerhouse.
“Cleveland is…. terrifying,” Simmons declared.
Bill Simmons and Ryen Russillo on the Cavs:
“Cleveland is terrifying. Cleveland is the favorite in a Cavs-Celtics series. I think there’s more outcomes where Cleveland beats Boston. Percent wise, I would say 55-45 Cleveland.” pic.twitter.com/O3DsLZcu2O
— ¹⁰ (@HoodiGarland) March 9, 2025
His assessment stems from Cleveland’s impressive makeup.
Simmons envisions the Cavaliers as particularly formidable in a Game 7 scenario, citing Donovan Mitchell’s confidence and track record against the Celtics.
Mitchell’s ability to deliver in high-pressure moments has repeatedly troubled Boston, while the Cavaliers’ versatile backcourt offers multiple lineup combinations to counter various defensive schemes.
Evan Mobley’s continued development has emerged as another critical factor in Cleveland’s rise.
His defensive presence and clutch performances have elevated the team’s ceiling substantially.
The Cavaliers’ depth, including valuable contributions from players like De’Andre Hunter, provides them with tactical flexibility that few teams can match.
Simmons expressed surprise that oddsmakers still favor the Boston Celtics despite Cleveland’s compelling case.
The Cavaliers’ ability to adapt their playing style—going big or small depending on matchups—combined with Mitchell’s star power makes them a legitimate threat to emerge from the East.
The only lingering question surrounds the Cavaliers’ playoff inexperience.
Whether that becomes a liability or motivating factor remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Cleveland fans have a legitimate reason to dream of a Finals appearance that seemed improbable before the season started.
NEXT: Donovan Mitchell Sends 3-Word Message Ahead Of Bucks Game
