The Cleveland Cavaliers, riding an immaculate 15-0 straight-up (SU) record, face an unusual challenge tonight as 5.5-point underdogs against the Boston Celtics. Of the 14 teams that have started a season 10-0 straight-up or better, only one other team—the 1993 Houston Rockets—has been listed as an underdog during such a streak.
The 1993 Rockets were underdogs three times during their historic start: at 10-0, 14-0, and 15-0 SU. They defied expectations in two of those games, beating the Jazz and Knicks before finally losing to the Hawks, ending their streak. Notably, the Rockets closed as 4.5-point underdogs against the Knicks at 14-0, making tonight’s 5.5-point spread against Cleveland the largest for a team starting 10-0 SU or better.
The Rockets’ season didn’t falter after their streak ended. They finished 58-24 SU and went on to win the NBA title, defeating the Knicks in a seven-game Finals series and taking down the Jazz in the Western Conference Finals. Both teams had been favorites against them during their streak.
This season’s Cavaliers aren’t just winning—they’re also dominating against the spread (ATS), boasting an 11-4 ATS record, the second-best in the league behind the Brooklyn Nets. Their balanced performance has set them apart as one of the most consistent teams in the NBA.
As they head into tonight’s matchup against Boston, Cleveland has an opportunity to continue its perfect run while rewriting history. Facing long odds as substantial underdogs, the Cavaliers will look to channel the resilience of the 1993 Rockets, proving their legitimacy against one of the league’s strongest teams. With their unbeaten record and a top-tier ATS performance, Cleveland has a chance to cement its place in NBA lore, though they're still a long way from catching the 2015-16 Warriors, who started 24-0, the best mark in NBA history.
