For Cavs and Knicks, door to the Finals has never been wider

The Eastern Conference hasn’t looked this open in years, and that has everything to do with timing, health, and a little bit of luck.

As ESPN’s Brian Windhorst writes, the Cavaliers and Knicks suddenly find themselves sitting in prime position heading into Wednesday’s marquee opener in New York.

Both teams bring back nearly the same rosters that powered them through last season –and both have been boosted by brutal misfortune elsewhere.

When the Celtics’ Jayson Tatum and Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton all went down with Achilles tears during last spring’s playoffs, the balance of power shifted.

For Cleveland and New York, the door to the Finals opened a little wider.

Cavs All-In, Literally

Windhorst notes that the Cavs are the NBA’s only team operating above the second apron — that new, punishing tax tier designed to discourage overspending. Their payroll, counting tax penalties, approaches $400 million.

Koby Altman’s front office doubled down on this core built around Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. The Cavs have four former All-Stars, legitimate depth, and, as Windhorst puts it, a shrinking runway to win big before financial pressure forces change.

Altman and second-year coach Kenny Atkinson made subtle tweaks this offseason, trading for Lonzo Ball and adding size after Indiana exposed them in the playoffs.

Evan Mobley will take on more offensive responsibility, while De’Andre Hunter slides into a bigger role with Max Strus sidelined by a foot injury.

“We’ve really created an identity,” Atkinson told ESPN. “We’re going to double down on that. But we do need to make some tweaks to how we play.”

Knicks Lean on Continuity

Windhorst points out that the Knicks avoided the apron by a sliver, keeping flexibility while holding onto all key contributors.

The big change? Mike Brown replacing Tom Thibodeau after New York’s best postseason run in 25 years.

Brown’s goal is to modernize the offense and relieve some of the weight on Jalen Brunson, who led the league in clutch scoring and usage rate last season.

“You can learn from things in the past,” Brunson told ESPN. “But you’ve got to focus on what’s ahead.”

The Knicks added scoring punch with Jordan Clarkson and depth with Guerschon Yabusele, but their foundation remains built on Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and Karl-Anthony Towns.

Windhorst adds that the Knicks flirted with a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade this summer, but couldn’t make the math or the offer work.

That failed pursuit further proved New York’s current reality. Basically, the Knicks are committed to this group, this year, and this window.

“Our team is unified and has the continuity needed to do great things,” Towns said.

For both Cleveland and New York, that continuity — and the chaos surrounding them — has created a rare opportunity. As Windhorst writes, everything in this league really does turn on a trifle.