For what it's worth, Boson are 3-0 in the preseason so far (despite resting their stars in one game) and have one most games figures against mostly garbage teams...
Meanwhile Cleveland has gone 0-4 in the preseason so far, with three of those four losses coming to teams (Hawks, Bulls, Pacers) who will likely be lottery teams this year. Yet they lost those games by average margin of 10 PPG, all while giving up an average of 106 PPG.
They have been so terrible that I actually went way against the odds and put a bet on the Bulls yesterday to beat the Cavs - AND WON!!!
The Cavs defence has been predictably woeful, and they lost those games despite the fact hat four of their starting five (Rose, Wade, Love and Crowder) played in the games against the Hawks and Pacers, while their entire starting lineup (Rose, Wade, Love, James, Crowder) played against Chicago. The only justifiable loss was the one to the Wizards, as not only are the Wizards a strong team, but the Cavs also rested their starters.
Again, it's just the preseason - but I really do hope the Cavs disgraceful defence continues and they continue to struggle with that starting five.
I think a it's going to be tough for Cleveland to be honest. Even last season they were a pretty mediocre defensive team, but they were able to remain dominant through elite scoring (Lebron + Kyrie + Love) and rebounding (Love + Thompson).
Now their defence has arguably gotten even worse (with Crowder/Love replacing Love/Thompson up front) their scoring likely remains the same at best, while their rebounding has dropped off just as hard (with Crowder replacing Thompson). You're now looking at a team who can't defend, cant really rebound very well, and (until It returns) probably isn't able of putting points on the board at nearly the same rate anymore. They could potentially struggle more than people think.