Live Thread: Cavs @ Mavs

Good evening CtB!

Tonight the Cleveland Cavaliers make their way south to the Lone Star State to take on another NBA playoff contender, the Luka Dončić-led Dallas Mavericks. It’s reasonable to assume both teams are desperate for a win to build some positive momentum, given that both teams are 1-4 in their last five games. Both teams were also missing their young stars due to injury, so both Dončić and Evan Mobley will also be looking to re-capture their game rhythm.

At the time of this writing, Dean Wade will probably still be out with the calf, and Cedi Osman appears to be a game time decision with a balky back. The Mavs are getting back Jalen Brunson, but will be without Willie Cauley-Stein and Frank Ntilikina.

Of course, the challenge tonight for the Cavs defensively will be containing Luka and a resurgent Kristaps Porziņģis who make the Mavs’ offense go. One way to neutralize KP is by going after him on the defensive side, given that his resurgence is exclusively on the offensive side of the ball. Also, Cavs would be wise to attack Tim Hardaway, Jr., who’s easily the Mavs’ worst perimeter defender. The Mavs are solid favorites, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see the frisky Cavs give Mark Cuban’s squad a run for their money and send him home crying, hopefully firing off some cope tweets to enjoy!

Tip off is scheduled for 8:30PM ET and the game will be broadcasted on Bally Sports Ohio/Great Lakes. GO CAVS!