Cavs notes: Team starting to keep eye on standings as playoffs loom

CLEVELAND — The Cavaliers came into Sunday's game fourth in the Eastern Conference. For most of the season, Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson said the team hasn't been paying much attention to the standings. That thinking is about to change with 19 games left in the regular season. "We're starting to think about it," he said. "It's not been a major topic of discussion." The Cavs were one game behind the New York Knicks in the East heading into Sunday's game. They have to think about where they want to finish — on No. 1 seed Detroit's side of the bracket or No. 2 Boston's. Many believe they match up better with Detroit than they do the Celtics. Atkinson said the parity in the East is at a high level. He said a number of teams are capable of advancing to the NBA Finals. He fit right in The Cavs are amazed by James Harden's instant chemistry with his new teammates. Atkinson said Harden's decision-making is the thing that separates him from the pack. "He's in the 99 percentile," he said. "It's rare to be around a player like that." The veteran point guard is still not 100 percent after he broke his right thumb. "I still see him favoring it on film," Atkinson said. "I can see it's bothering him." Mad Max Swingman Max Strus has one more visit with the foot doctor before he could conceivably be cleared to play. Atkinson said he didn't know when the doctor visit would be. "He's ramping up," he said. "He's doing more and more every day on the court. He's getting closer." Back to back Since coming back from a calf injury, forward/center Evan Mobley hasn't played in both games of a back-to-back set. Cleveland hosts Philadelphia tonight and it's so-so whether Mobley plays. "We haven't made a decision on that yet," Atkinson said. Tough German Cavs guard Dennis Schroder has brought a toughness to the team since being acquired from the Sacramento Kings. "He plays with an edge," Atkinson said. "He's labeled as a winner. He's been a European champion. He's been a world champion. We needed someone to mix it up a bit. He fills that void." Analytic surprise Atkinson said Celtics guard Derrick White is a top-five player in the league. He's generally known as the third-best player on the Boston team, but the Cavs coach said analytically speaking, White ranks off the charts. "This guy is a great player," Atkinson said. Contact Bob Finnan at (440) 329-7135 or rfinnan30@gmail.com. Follow him @BobCavsinsider on X.