As we have proven, the so-called NBA zigzag theory is a virtual wash. It is above .500 long-term but a slight loss with the juice. However, various bounce back angles, which take several other factors into consideration, do win long-term. Several, of course many overlapping, favor Cleveland. Among them is especially when the bouncing back team was favored in the loss and does not have an inordinate amount of rest.

Also large playoff favorites if not countered by the zigzag (meaning a zigzag favoring Toronto), are 33-12 for 73.3 percent.