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.
Measuring Stick Game for the Cavs in Boston
The Cleveland Cavaliers are gearing up for a significant matchup against the Boston Celtics, putting their undefeated record on the line. This game is seen as a crucial test for the Cavs, who are aiming to become only the second team in NBA history to start a season with 16 consecutive wins.
- Cavs’ Undefeated Streak: The Cavaliers have been the standout story in the NBA, winning their first 15 games. This game against the Celtics is viewed as a potential preview of the Eastern Conference Finals, despite it being early in the season.
- Boston’s Form: The Celtics have had a strong start, though not without challenges. They’ve secured wins against weaker teams, sometimes narrowly, and have yet to showcase their full potential, especially with Kristaps Porzingis yet to play.
- Measuring Stick Game: The Cavs are treating this as a “measuring stick” game, a chance to gauge their standing against the defending champions. Coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledges the significance of this matchup, especially as an NBA Cup game.
- Injury Concerns: The Cavs face a lengthy injury report. Dean Wade is out, and Isaac Okoro and Caris LeVert are questionable. This could impact their wing defense against Boston’s formidable duo, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
- Defensive Strategy: Evan Mobley’s defensive role will be crucial, especially with the Cavs’ wing depth being tested. His performance could be pivotal in countering Boston’s offensive threats.
- Offensive Edge: The Cavs excel in attacking the basket, an area where Boston struggles defensively. However, they need to improve their three-point shooting volume to match Boston’s high attempts.
- Key Players: Donovan Mitchell’s rest before this game is strategic, aiming to have him fresh and impactful. The Cavs will rely on their core players to deliver standout performances.
- Game Dynamics: The Cavs need to dictate the pace, leveraging their faster play style against Boston’s preference for a slower game. This could disrupt Boston’s rhythm and favor Cleveland’s offensive strengths.
- Potential Outcomes: A win would not only extend the Cavs’ streak but also boost their confidence and send a strong message to the league. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate their growth and potential as serious contenders.
As the Cavs prepare for this pivotal game, the focus is on overcoming injuries, leveraging their offensive strengths, and making a statement against a top-tier opponent. This matchup is more than just a regular season game; it’s a chance for the Cavs to solidify their status as a formidable force in the NBA.
The Sixers are no longer just bad, they’re cornered
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks on against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at Kaseya Center|Photo by Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Look, I held off as long as I could, told myself it was only an awkward start. I looked to silver linings, to the tendency that things going wrong for this long tend to right themselves. I looked to the surrounding conditions for clues and when none revealed themselves, I decided to stay positive but now, it’s time: time to talk about the Philadelphia 76ers.
Beyond what Sixers fans know intimately and don’t need reiterated (things are bad), the mood around the franchise is starting to feel closer to cornered than merely frustrated. Last night, after a third quarter collapse against the Heat in Miami, the Sixers held a postgame meeting that lasted over an hour. The game already had a bizarre feel to it, Philly led by 19 before being down 20, and Joel Embiid went from being listed as doubtful to starting. No one on the Sixers roster looked especially comfortable, a trend that’s emerged throughout the team’s first full month of regular season play.
Slipping now to the bottom of the Eastern Conference, with a record of 2-11 I still feel the need to double check as I write this, one thing has become abundantly clear — the Sixers don’t have room to hedge.
There’s no scapegoat to pin the team’s shoddy performance on, not this early in the season. Even when healthy, and Embiid, George and Maxey are on the floor together, it’s been for naught. Both the teams wins came in arduous overtime, one without George and both without Embiid. The Sixers win against the Hornets was missing Maxey completely.
Here’s a problem I’ve wondered about since Daryl Morey landed George in what was declared an undisputed win for the franchise and the best move of the offseason — what about Philadelphia’s role players? To clear the books for cap space enough to sign George, Daryl Morey liquidated the team’s working roster — 13 of the team’s 15 man squad became free agents. Tobias Harrias and Nicolas Batum may not be spring chickens in NBA terms, but they provided the mechanical support the Sixers are now woefully lacking. This isn’t the Sixers only problem, that much has been made clear, but it’s a big one.
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
Analysis Dive into the Cavs’ schedule with Coach Kenny Atkinson. Discover how the team is prepping for a challenging season ahead with strategic planning and focus. (Fear the Sword)
Biz Former NBA stars Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady are looking to buy a minority stake in the NFL’s Buffalo Bills (CityTV)
Must Read Knicks forward OG Anunoby says he’s tired of being known for his defensive prowess. (The Athletic, subscription required)
3peat (ICYMI)
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A Showdown in Boston The Cavs take on the Boston Celtics on Tuesday in what could be a preview of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Cavaliers Finally Have Rest on the Horizon The Cavs have three games this week and will have back-to-back days off for the first time all season. Take a look at their upcoming games against Boston, New Orleans and Toronto.
