Danny Cunningham here, the host of the daily Locked On Cavs podcast, with your daily Locked On Cavs newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Cavs and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Should Donovan Mitchell be getting to the foul line more?
Let’s get started!
- Cavs’ Historic Start: The Cleveland Cavaliers are on the brink of a franchise milestone, aiming for a 10-0 start. This achievement would be a first in their history, and it’s happening against the Golden State Warriors, a team with whom they share a storied rivalry. The Warriors, with a 7-1 record, are formidable opponents, making this matchup even more exciting.
- Donovan Mitchell’s Free Throw Concerns: Donovan Mitchell has voiced concerns about the Cavs’ free throw attempts. Despite being one of the top offensive teams, the Cavs rank low in free throw attempts. Mitchell, averaging a career-low in this category, believes the team should be getting to the line more often, especially given their aggressive play style.
- Offensive Dynamics: The Cavs are third in the NBA for drives to the basket but are 26th in free throw attempts. This discrepancy raises questions about their offensive strategy and officiating. While they excel in driving to the basket, they often pass out of these drives, leading to fewer shooting opportunities and, consequently, fewer fouls.
- Bench Contributions: The Cavs’ bench has been a pleasant surprise this season. Ty Jerome has emerged as a standout player, providing unexpected contributions. Meanwhile, Caris LeVert, despite limited minutes, has been highly effective, showcasing impressive shooting and versatility.
- Max Strus’ Return: Max Strus is expected to be out for a few more weeks due to an ankle injury. His return will be crucial, and while Dean Wade has filled in admirably, Strus’ presence in the starting lineup is anticipated to enhance the team’s performance.
- Evan Mobley’s Offensive Role: The Cavs are focusing on integrating Evan Mobley more into their offensive schemes. His development is seen as vital for the team’s long-term success. While there will be growing pains, the goal is for Mobley to become a significant offensive force by season’s end.
- Upcoming Game Against the Warriors: Tonight’s game against the Warriors is a significant test for the Cavs. With both teams boasting impressive records, this matchup promises to be a thrilling contest. We’ll be back tomorrow to break down the game, whether the Cavs achieve their 10-0 goal or not.
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The Nuggets did it (Nikola Jokic did it), the Warriors did it (the death lineup and defensive efficiency), the Celtics did it (switching one through five, pre-switching, neutralizing open lanes), and now the Thunder are doing it.
It’s been described as pestering, smothering, swarming, but I‘d like to put “car wash” into consideration. That’s the set up awaiting opponents. The car (the opposing team) gets locked into those self-driving tracks and the gauntlet begins. Lu Dort and Alex Caruso appear as those cylindrical spinning brushes, stripping the ball outright and early or else funnelling players into the next wave of guards. Pressure continues from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jaylen Williams but it becomes more targeted, thinking of the jet streams of water now being directed at the car from every angle — and those spinning whirlwinds of Caruso and Dort haven’t relented.
If, somehow, an opposing player finds a sliver of daylight in the so-small-its-micro-ball switching scheme the Thunder are playing, if they manage to get out from the many hands reaching in, pressuring, forcing turnovers, then they will meet Chet Holmgren at the rim. Holmgren is like those long, slapping shammy tentacles that come down on the hood, sides and roof of the car from every angle, though his reach and hands are much more expertly deployed. The Thunder have a defensive rating of 96.5 (for context the Warriors, at second best, seem light-years behind with a respectable 103.8) and lead the league in steals (13.4) and blocks (7.3). The cars are coming out spotless, utterly worked.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Injury Darius Garland’s return significantly boosts the Cavaliers’ lineup, addressing earlier performance gaps and boosting team morale. (Fear The Sword)
Preview The Golden State Warriors take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse at 8pm ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Watch Defense wins games? Here’s an insightful breakdown of OKC’s defensive schemes. (Thinking Basketball)
Must Read The Influence of Sedona Price: Take a fascinating look at the domino effect of NIL on college athletics, women’s sports, social media and athlete health. (The New Yorker)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Basketball Impact of Miles Bridges’ Injury
Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) holds his knee after a collision at the basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Spectrum Center.|Photo by Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
With only three games on Thursday, there was ample time to delve into the latest injury news and its implications for fantasy managers.
Injury Updates and Their Impact
Miles Bridges’ knee injury is a significant concern. After initially returning to play, he’s now sidelined for at least two weeks with a knee bone bruise. This situation opens up opportunities for other players. With Nick Richards and Mark Williams also out, Taj Gibson steps in as the starting centre. Grant Williams, who has been getting centre minutes, will likely shift to playing more at the four, alongside Tidjane Salaun. This reshuffling could push Williams into a more prominent role, making him a potential pick-up in 12-team leagues.
The absence of Bridges also means increased usage for Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball. Tre Mann is another player to watch; holding onto him could be beneficial as the team adjusts to these injuries.
Ja Morant’s hamstring injury is another blow, with expectations of a two-week absence. Memphis’ injury reporting is notoriously vague, so fantasy managers should prepare for an extended period without Morant. Tyrese Maxey’s situation is similar, with the Sixers indicating a reevaluation in a week, but realistically, it could be longer. Kyle Lowry is a suitable replacement in the meantime.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Cavs podcasts.
Discussing the Cavs Record-Setting 9-0 Start The Cavs beat the Pelicans on Wednesday night to move to 9-0 for the first time in franchise history thanks to big moments from Ty Jerome and Jarrett Allen.
The Cavs Aren’t a Finished Product The Cavs have been the best team in the NBA and they’re doing it thanks to a number of different improvements on both sides of the court. Learn exactly what the Cavs are doing differently than before and how they can still get better.
Can the Cleveland Cavaliers get to 10-0? The Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Golden State Warriors on Friday night as they look to move to 10-0 on the season. Can Donovan Mitchell out-duel Stephen Curry?
