Prior to the Cleveland Cavaliers' big win against the Boston Celtics earlier in the week, LeBron James played down the importance of regular season records.

It is hard to argue with LeBron. In the previous six years, James' teams have missed out on the top spot four times, but have always made their way to the Finals. 

There is little evidence to suggest that will change this season. The King's dominant performance against the Celtics proved he still has a lot left in the tank. But a James-led team has never entered the postseason under such indifferent circumstances.

The Cavs have been hit with injuries to key players. Kevin Love and JR Smith missed chunks of the season while Kyle Korver and Iman Shumpert also missed spells. However, their disjointed performances can't be put down to a lack of chemistry.

It looked as though the number one seed was wrapped up after Boston's loss to the Atlanta Hawks, but Cleveland's own defeat to the Hawks, who were without Dennis Schroder, Al Horford, Dwight Howard and Kent Bazemore, left the door slightly ajar. 

Many people are under the impression the Cavs have the ability to flick a proverbial switch and enter playoff mode. However, their form over the previous 23 games should be a worry to even the staunchest Wine and Gold fan.

To put their struggles into context, the Cavs share the same record as the Brooklyn Nets - the NBA's worst team this season - across those games.

Both teams are 11-12. The Nets have certainly improved in recent weeks following Jeremy Lin's return from injury, and their front office should be commended for making them a competitive team despite their bleak future.

But for the Cavs, it is not a good look. 

While James is a different animal in the playoffs, the East has improved significantly in 12 months. The Celtics, Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards will all quietly fancy their chances of ending LeBron's reign. 

Reaching the finals is still very likely, but Tyronn Lue's men look in no fit state to challenge the best of the west. Although, history tells us that you write off LeBron at your own peril. 

11-12 isn't great. The same form as Brooklyn isn't great. We'll see if they are still able to flick that switch in the coming weeks.