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Heavily favored Cavaliers not overlooking Hawks in Eastern Conference semifinal

INDEPENDENCE: Moments after the Atlanta Hawks closed out the Boston Celtics in the first round last week, noted prognosticator Charles Barkley sided with the Cavaliers from now through June.

“The Cavaliers in my opinion are the favorite to win the world championship. They’re the team to beat,” Barkley said on the TNT postgame show. Then he doubled down. “I don’t think the Cavaliers are going to lose a game in the entire Eastern Conference.”

As they prepare to host the Atlanta Hawks in the conference finals Monday night, Richard Jefferson shook his head and chuckled upon hearing about Barkley — one of the most outspoken analysts in the league.