I am part of the problem.
After the NBA trade deadline, I ranked NBA Finals contenders, and I put the Cleveland Cavaliers 10th. Tenth! Behind teams such as the Milwaukee Bucks and New York Knicks, despite Cleveland being ahead of both in the East standings.
I’m not the only one who feels this way. ESPN gives the Knicks and Bucks better title odds. FanDuel’s sportsbook does as well. With the Boston Celtics a heavy favorite regardless of conference, it seems the general consensus on the Cavs is they have the fourth-best chance to win the East even though they’re in second place.