This was supposed to be a measuring stick game for the Cleveland Cavaliers. They only play the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder twice. Even though this will be a good test, Oklahoma City’s injuries keep this from being a marquee matchup
The Thunder will be without their two best players in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (ab strain) and Jaylin Williams (hamstring). They’ll also be missing a great perimeter defender in Alex Caruso (ankle). That will take some of the luster off this contest.
The Thunder have really struggled offensively this season in lineups without Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Caruso. In those configurations, the Thunder have posted a 106.1 offensive rating (4th percentile). The defense is still formidable with a 107.9 defensive rating (93rd percentile), which has helped keep them afloat.
This will be a good test for Cleveland’s new-look offense with James Harden. The Thunder have still been elite on that end, thanks to their front court of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein. However, they aren’t the same team on offense. We’ll see if the Cavs can take advantage.
Support us and Let ‘Em Know with Homage!
Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can buy the Mark Price shirt HERE. You can also shop all of Homage’s Cavs gear HERE.
Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (36-21) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (43-14)
Where: Paycom Center – Oklahoma City, OK
When: Sun., Feb. 22 at 1 PM
TV: ABC
Point spread: Cavs -2
Cavs injury report: Max Strus – OUT (foot), Tristan Enaruna – OUT (G League), Riley Minix – OUT (G League)
Thunder injury report: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – OUT (ab strain), Jalen Williams – OUT (hamstring), Alex Caruso – OUT (ankle), Jay Mitchell – OUT (ankle), Thomas Sorber – OUT (knee)
Cavs expectedstarting lineup: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Dean Wade, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen
Thunder expected starting lineup: Cason Wallace, Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein
Previous matchup: Thunder defeat Cavs by 32 on Jan. 19.
Here’s a look at both teams’ impact stats via Cleaning the Glass.
| Offensive Rating | Defensive Rating | Net Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cavs | 118.3 (7th) | 113.9 (9th) | +4.4 (8th) |
| Thunder | 119.2 (4th) | 107 (1st) | +12.2 (1st) |
Join the conversation!
Sign up for a user account and get:
- Fewer ads
- Create community posts
- Comment on articles, community posts
- Rec comments, community posts
- New, improved notifications system!