Cavs-Celtics: Breaking Down One Exciting Playoff Race

With over 25 games left in the regular season, something is certain in the NBA: Cleveland and Boston will be fighting til the end. Winner gets home court, loser might be getting Orlando in the conference semifinals.

The fact of one of the best playoff races in recent memory is that the Cavaliers and Celtics can't beat the other team on their home floor. So home court means more than ever in this rivalry.

Currently, Cleveland is in first by percentage points, although Boston has more wins by virtue of having played more games so far. Boston has the KG injury to worry about, although they don't seem to be doing much worrying after back-to-back blowout wins on the road.

The Celtics have an easy schedule coming up, with games against the Clippers, Pacers, and Pistons within the next week.

Cleveland has a much tougher road, which features a back-to-back in Houston and San Antonio, followed by another back-to-back in Atlanta and Miami. They have a rough stretch of eight games in the next 12 days, which will show how strong they are.

If Sunday was any indication for Cleveland, the machine from the beginning of the year has returned with the return of G Delonte West. His return brings defensive intensity and tremendous outside shooting on both wings of Lebron James.

The Cavaliers have clearly prospered despite being hit hard by the injury bug. James has gone to a high gear, and Mo Williams has emerged as a true All-Star.

No KG, no problem for Boston. Rondo continues to impress, and Ray Allen is having the best shooting year of his career. Depth may be the only problem with Boston, and whichever team plays Orlando in round two may be looking at a seven-game series.

Cleveland's biggest flaw may be too much of a reliance on the jumpshot. Granted, they have players that can shoot the lights out, but it's not something to rely on come playoff time.

However, their defense can make up the difference. Mike Brown is among the best defensive architects in the NBA. And while they don't have many great individual defenders, Cleveland plays tremendous team defense.

The same can be said of Boston, although KG anchors the unit as the reigning DPOY.

Whatever happens the rest of the way, the season could rest on their next meeting: Mar. 6 in Boston. KG is out; West is in. That could be the difference.

Cleveland matches up with Boston, but the defenses are the X-factor. Whoever holds the other team below 90 will win.

Boston has the top talent, but Cleveland has chemistry and depth. Therefore, the margin of difference is slim to nothing.

If and when these teams meet again in the playoffs, be prepared for one of the greatest playoff series in NBA history.

Right now, this is way too close to call. But all I can say is enjoy the ride. Final destination: playoffs.