Even with the 117-104 loss to the Toronto Raptors Thursday night, the Cleveland Cavaliers have at least secured a spot in the play-in tournament. Cleveland can finish no worse than 10th in the Eastern Conference and currently sit in sixth with a 41-32 record.
Just as the Cavaliers clinched their first non-losing season without LeBron James since 1997-98, this will be their first postseason trip without the future Hall of Famer dating back to that same season. The Cavs would lose to the Pacers 3-1 in the first round that season as the finished with a 47-35 record and sixth place in the east.
There is still time for some shuffling standings wise and a chance for the Cavaliers to avoid the play-in tournament altogether. Nine games remain for the Cavs to solidify their postseason position.
