Live Thread: Jazz @ Cavs

Good afternoon CtB!

Today the Utah Jazz trek across the country to the shores of Lake Erie to take on the Cavs in a Sunday matinee. The Jazz appear to be a championship contender again, however more than a few fans feel as though they are more of a pretender than contender. For the Cavs, this is a major opportunity to get a win against one of the West’s best and build confidence heading into some major upcoming matchups against the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks.

The Cavs will be without Dean Wade again, with Cedi Osman and Dylan Windler questionable according to Evan Dammarell.

Cedi Osman and Dylan Windler are questionable for the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Utah Jazz.

Dean Wade is out.

— Evan Dammarell (@AmNotEvan) December 5, 2021

From a strategic standpoint, it will be interesting to see how the Cavs attack the Jazz on both ends of the court. The key to neutralizing Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert has been to go smaller and force him to guard the perimeter. But the Cavs have rarely used any small ball lineups. On defense, the task for the Cavs will be to make it tough on Donovan Mitchell offensively. Mitchell appears to have taken his game to another level, and is flirting with joining the elite superstars of the NBA.

One last thing, welcome back Jordan “Captain Bandaid” Clarkson!

Tip off is scheduled for 3:30PM ET and will be broadcasted on Bally Sports Ohio/Great Lakes, GO CAVS!