NBA Reacts Survey: Cavs fans pick their preferred opponent for Round 2

Cavs fans answered two key questions on our survey.

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. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Cleveland Cavalier fans were asked two key questions for the NBA Playoffs earlier this week. Let’s check on the results brought to you by FanDuel.

Our first question was about a potential round 2 playoff matchup. We don’t want to get too far ahead of ourselves now. But, with the Cavs leading 2-0 against the eight-seeded Miami Heat, it wouldn’t hurt to start considering what’s going on in the 4/5 matchup.

Indiana started strong with two commanding wins over the Milwaukee Bucks. But the Bucks responded with a statement in Game 3 that this series might be more competitive than we thought. Either way, Cavs fans overwhelmingly prefer the Bucks to the Pacers. I can’t say I blame them.

While Giannis Antetokounmpo is more than a handful — the Bucks roster is lacking the depth or two-way firepower to give Cleveland the same amount of problems as Indiana. Well be hoping the Bucks can continue to make the Pacers work for it.

After Game 3, the Bucks are +180 underdogs to win the series.

Our other question was internal. Who is more important to Cleveland’s playoff success, Donovan Mitchell or Evan Mobley? Roughly two-thirds of Cavs fans chose the former.

Mitchell showed why in Game 2 against Miami. His 17 points in the fourth quarter were the difference in a game that the Heat nearly rallied back to steal. Mitchell has consistently elevated his scoring in the playoffs, so it’s hard to pick against him here.

Still, Mobley holds the long-term keys to the franchise. The 2025 Defensive Player of the Year is capable of swinging games on the other end of the floor. And, as he grows offensively, the gap between him and Mitchell is narrowing.

The Cavs have +480 odds of winning the championship. Mitchell has the third-highest odds of any NBA player to win Finals MVP at +650. Mobley is 9th at +3600. All odds brought to you by FanDuel.