... is they have two months minimum before he's back. That's a *lot* of games/potential losses. And that assumes he comes back truly healthy. It assumes a lot of things.

Frankly, we won't know what the Cavs can do during the regular season at all, imo. However, because this is a different team-- and East-- than years past, they can't just coast to a Top 2 seed. And their path will be much, much more difficult the lower that seed goes. And their odds of winning it all will drop the lower down that seed line they go.

And ultimately, the Cavs didn't need to be in this predicament. They undervalued Kyrie and he found out. They could've been playing with him on the court right now.

Instead, they're praying IT from last season-- his best efficiency season by a mile-- arrives and saves the day. Because if he doesn't and they bomb out early, bye bye Bron.