Cavs really should lock up the 2nd seed. They aren't tested for shit in postseason and really do need the home court for the first 2 rounds at the very least. That way, we can approach a team like the Hawks the right way, even without home court.
In 2007, people may not remember, but it was the first year the top 4 teams in each conference were granted home court. Dallas' previous year of beating the Spurs despite being the fourth seed convinced the league to change up home court advantage to reward teams with better records but no divisional championships. Hell, we also had the 3rd best record that year (better than the Nets) but were forced to play the best team in the conference (Detroit) in the 2nd round (otherwise would've played the eventual champion, the Heat). In 2007, we managed to have the 2nd seed with virtually the same conditions as the year before.
But still, with or without home court, you need to play basketball worthy of champions once you make it far enough. The Spurs have proven that time and time again. Against Cinderella teams (1999/Knicks, 2007/Cavs) and near-championship level teams (2005/Pistons). They lost in 2013, but the Heat couldn't beat them without perfect execution. The Heat themselves were exposed big time against the Mavs the first year. Going back to 2010, the Celtics proved to be clicking at the right time, nearly upsetting the Lakers in seven games (without Perkins during the critical stretch). The greatest examples of teams made of champions but not the home court team in the conference finals/NBA finals were the 1995 Rockets (6th seed), 1993 Bulls (beat 1st seed Knicks/Suns), and 1969 Celtics (4th seed).
And look, we can get the 2nd seed, but it doesn't mean we're shoo-ins for the first 2 rounds, either. If we don't get the lucky bounce and face a team clicking at the right time (like the Pacers), we need to demonstrate we're for real. "Beat the best to be the best." Teams will always look their best against top notch competition. Take their best punch and roll with it. If you can't beat a hot team, you don't deserve to be champs anyways. The Spurs weren't ready in 2011, neither the Lakers. We all know the Mavericks' story in 2007. And the Heats top record meant nothing against the Knicks 1998-2000. We've been fortunate with only losing Andy for most of the season, but luck will catch up to us sooner than later, in health or performance.