The Cleveland Cavaliers are out and running to start their 2023 campaign, going a modest 3-4 through their first seven games. Though the record may not be excellent, the Cavaliers have been forced to roll with four different starting lineups due to injury.
Cleveland finally has their big four intact with Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen returning to the starting five last Friday versus the Pacers.
In their last matchup with Oklahoma City, the Cleveland Cavaliers lost a close one in the 108-105 contest. Cleveland was without Garland and Allen but kept the game competitive due to some stellar play from Donovan Mitchell.
Mitchell racked up 43 points, eight rebounds and five assists in an exciting back-and-forth contest. Thunder rookie Chet Holmgren also had an impressive showing, setting the Thunder rookie record for blocks in a game. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder down the stretch, finishing with 34 points, 11 rebounds and four assists.
Gilgeous-Alexander will surely be Cleveland’s top priority in their second matchup. The Cavaliers will have to find a way to slow him down if they want to secure a win in the second meeting. Game planning to stop him as well as the talent around him is no easy task. Cleveland will have their hands full with the pick-and-roll duo of Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren.
Cleveland is expected to be without defensive-minded wing Isaac Okoro for the matchup. The Cavaliers have dealt with the injury bug to start the season already but will have their stars in action. It is just the fourth game Mitchell, Garland, Mobley and Allen have played together. Cleveland will look to gain some momentum with a win and start a run early in the season.
