Live Thread: Cavs @ Magic

Good evening CtB!

The Cavs have ventured south to Disney World to take on the Orlando Magic for a two game road series that should have the Cavs’ full attention. Despite their youth, the Magic have been building a good culture with two fledgling star wings in Paolo Banchero and, a personal favorite of yours truly, Franz Wagner. They have an above .500 record at home and over the last 50 games or so. If the Cavs think they can waltz in and get a win, they could find themselves winless and scrambling to hold onto the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. This series is the ultimate test of being an NBA professional and mentally tough, hopefully the Cavs are up to the task.

DEAN WADE AGENDA

#Cavs Dean Wade will start once again in place of injured Isaac Okoro tonight against Orlando, sources tell @clevelanddotcom.

— Chris Fedor (@ChrisFedor) April 4, 2023

The Dean Wade Agenda continues unabated after his excellent performance against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night. The Cavs posted a net rating of +29.0 in his 27 minutes on the court, the top Cav for the night. Hopefully he’s able to build off of that performance and look like the dominant two-way presence he was at the beginning of the season.

In looking at the Magic’s statistical profile, there are two things that stand out. They are a decent defensive team that rebounds well. Secondly, they are a poor offensive team that is prone to turnovers. The Cavs will have opportunities to create turnovers and push the pace on offense, but they will have to move the ball in the halfcourt to create good looks against Orlando’s size and athleticism. The Cavs need to play excellent defense, rebound the ball and run to eliminate Orlando’s ability to set their defense.

Tip off is scheduled for 7:00PM Eastern time and will be broadcasted live on Bally Sports Ohio/Great Lakes, Go Cavs!