Wait a minute. Weren't the Celtics supposed to be playing erratically early in the season, particularly since Gordon Hayward went down? And weren't the Cleveland Cavaliers, employing the best player on the planet - flat, or otherwise - supposed to start quickly? What a difference a trade makes.
Cavs fall to 3-5. Their losses have come to the Magic, Nets, Pelicans, Knicks, Pacers (all expected lottery teams) by an average of 16.8 pts
Boston is now tied with the Orlando Magic for first place in the NBA with six wins and two losses.