NBA Reacts: Cleveland Cavaliers on track to beat New York Knicks

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Cleveland Cavaliers fans and fans across the country.
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With the series tied at 1-1, the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks are in a series that feels like it will be competitive as long as it lasts.

That said, in a new survey from SB Nation Reacts, Cavs fans still overwhelming believe that Cleveland wild. According to the survey, 86% of Cavs fans think the Cavs will still advance. After Game 2, a game Cleveland largely controlled behind a big performance from Darius Garland, that optimism feels right.

Also in the survey: Optimism about Evan Mobley’s chances of winning a Defensive Player of the Year award in the next three season. Mobley finished third this season behind Memphis Grizzlies big Jaren Jackson Jr. and Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez, but at age 21 and already considered one of the best defensive players in the league, he feels poised to contend for the award for the foreseeable future. Cavs fan agree — 94% think he will win a Defensive Player of the Year award in the next three season. If he does win one either next season at age 22 or the season after at age 23, he’ll be the youngest or tied for the youngest ever to win the award.

Nationally, fans seems to think injuries will have a direct impact on who wins the title this season. With injuries to plays like Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and others, it makes sense. Forty-six percent of fans think that injuries will have an impact on the title winner with 54% saying Giannis is the most important injury ton the title race. Giannis’ injury could impact the Cavs directly, as the Bucks are their likeliest opponent if they get to round two if it lingers.

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