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.
What’s Darius Garland’s All-Star Case Look Like?
In today’s newsletter let’s discuss the impressive season Darius Garland is having and why he deserves a spot on the All-Star team for the second time in his career. We dive into Garland’s performance, his bounce-back from last season, and how he compares to other potential All-Star candidates.
- Darius Garland’s Season Overview: Garland has shown significant improvement this year, bouncing back from a challenging previous season. His per 36 numbers are impressive, and despite reduced minutes, his impact on the court is undeniable.
- All-Star Candidacy: Both of us agree that Garland deserves to be an All-Star. We discuss his improved defense, increased assertiveness, and how his presence elevates the team’s performance. His ability to play both on and off the ball makes him a versatile asset.
- Comparison with Other Players: We compare Garland to other Eastern Conference guards like Damian Lillard, Jalen Brunson, Cade Cunningham, and Trae Young. Each comparison highlights Garland’s strengths and the unique challenges each player presents.
- Damian Lillard: Despite Lillard’s reputation, his defensive weaknesses and streaky performance this season make Garland a more consistent choice for the All-Star nod.
- Jalen Brunson: Brunson’s strong season with the Knicks makes him a formidable contender. However, Garland’s overall impact and the Cavs’ success could give him an edge.
- Cade Cunningham: Cunningham’s impressive individual performance is noted, but the Pistons’ team record could be a deciding factor in Garland’s favor.
- Trae Young: Young’s playmaking is acknowledged, but his inefficiency in scoring and the Hawks’ struggles make Garland a more balanced choice.
- Team Dynamics and Impact: We emphasize how Garland’s play has been crucial to the Cavs’ offensive success. His ability to adapt and improve his decision-making has been a key factor in the team’s performance.
- Conclusion and Future Discussions: We wrap up by reiterating Garland’s All-Star worthiness and hint at future discussions about other Cavs players like Evan Mobley. We encourage listeners to stay tuned for more insights and analysis.
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) waves to the crowd after making a three point shot in against the New York Knicks in the fourth quarter during game five in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. | Wendell Cruz/Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
A strange development of last night’s first round of quarter finals matchups is that I wasn’t anticipating having my heart break for the Orlando Magic. What an effort by a team that has been told over and over again that they are both down and out, and still refuses to acknowledge the veracity of either point.
Orlando’s game against Milwaukee felt contentious, engaged, and energetic, a game with stakes. The NBA Cup has been drawing out competition across the board but I have to give the Magic credit for showing up on the stage the tournament set. That was all them, and all heart.
But enough gushing (for now), onto tonight’s final two games.
Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks
There are a handful of athletes in the NBA, anywhere really, comfortable with playing the villain. Trae Young is one of them. Young has leaned into every opportunity to add fuel to the fire of Knicks’ fans disdain for the showy shooter, a grudge going strong since the 2021 playoffs.
It’ll be tougher for Young to take a bow against this Knicks team.
Though they were slower to get on the same page, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns have synced up as maybe the best and most overpowering offensive duo in the league. The Knicks are first overall in points scored per 100 possessions since the start of this season, and second overall in their effective field goal percentage. In their efficiency differential — points per 100 possessions minus points allowed — they trail only the heavy hitters of the season: OKC, Boston, Cleveland and Memphis. Things are clicking in New York.
The Hawks have had a string of injuries, notably Jalen Johnson and Bogdan Bogdanovic/ De’Andre Hunter and Young himself are both listed as probable for the game in New York. The silver lining, beyond whatever happens inside Young’s brain when he gets within the municipality limits for New York City, is that the Hawks have a 5-1 record against the Cavs, Celtics, Knicks and Bucks this season — this team loves to play up. They’ve also taken a defensive jump, are 6th in the league for offensive rebounds thanks to Johnson, rookie Zaccharie Risacher has been a boon, and Atlanta doesn’t mind playing the pest.
Whether this will be the kind of number found on Broadway or off, it’ll be a show.
Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets
What the Rockets aren’t generous about is their defence — the team is one of the most smothering defenders in the league. What they are generous about have been their fines, with head coach Ime Udoa and guard Fred VanVleet ponying up (you’ll be happy to know all fines go to charity). Houston will need all of its efforts in the former to beat the Warriors tonight.
Where the Rockets can’t do much defensively has been way out in the offensive no man’s land of the floor, the place where Steph Curry thrives. The Warriors have a 15 game winning streak going against Houston, largely because of Curry, in general, and lately because of where he capitalizes his efforts against a young team he can easily disorganize with his disruptive shooting.
Houston’s opportunities come in second chance points when they blitz the glass, in pressuring turnovers, and in playing very close basketball. The Rockets are one of the worst shooting teams in the NBA and yet, they’ve made it work, digging in to make every possession matter. The Warriors are in a slump, but the duo of Curry and Draymond Green can make light work of any team when they’re on the floor, Jonathan Kuminga continues to climb, and head coach Steve Kerr’s said that Andrew Wiggins should see minutes tonight.
Udoka called the Rockets last game against the Warriors, when they were thoroughly pummelled, one of the team’s “softest games” since his arrival, so there’s plenty of incentive for Houston to take the win tonight. Those are also the kinds of games, and hopes, that Steph Curry loves to snuff out like a candle.
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 Jarrett Allen’s role is evolving as Evan Mobley’s ascent reshapes the Cavaliers’ frontcourt dynamics. Mobley’s growth is pushing Allen to adapt, highlighting strategic shifts within the team. (Fear The Sword)
Fans Three key aspects have made watching the Cavaliers particularly enjoyable this season. (Fear The Sword)
Dec 10, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots over Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) and center Dereck Lively II (2) during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams/Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
NBA Cup Quarterfinals: Winners, Losers, and Fantasy Takeaways
Two of the four NBA Cup quarterfinal games are in the books, and it’s time to dissect the outcomes and what it means for fantasy managers.
One of the most pressing issues is the status of Immanuel Quickley. Despite the frustration surrounding his limited playtime due to injury, I firmly believe in his potential as a top 50 player this season. However, if you’re struggling with multiple injuries on your roster, it might be time to reconsider holding onto him. Evaluate your roster carefully and weigh Quickley’s potential against the immediate needs of your team.
Scottie Barnes’ situation is equally concerning. Although initial X-rays were negative, the possibility of a Lisfranc injury looms large. If confirmed, this could sideline Barnes for a significant portion of the season. Fantasy managers should brace for his absence and explore alternative options to fill the void.
Waiver Wire Trends and Player Evaluations
The waiver wire has been buzzing with activity, and several players have emerged as hot commodities. Kelly Olynyk’s rise in popularity is likely a response to Barnes’ injury, but his role remains uncertain. While Olynyk is a solid fantasy option, his long-term value is questionable given his defensive limitations and the presence of younger, more versatile players.
Cole Anthony’s recent performance has sparked debate among fantasy managers. Despite a lackluster shooting night, the decision to add him was sound, given the Magic’s need for shot generation. It’s crucial to focus on the process rather than the immediate results when evaluating players like Anthony. His role may fluctuate, but the potential for future contributions remains.
Click the button below to get a full breakdown on who fantasy managers should keep an eye on after last night’s games.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Cavs podcasts.
Evan Mobley’s Big Day Evan Mobley scored a career-high 41 points on Saturday against the Charlotte Hornets thanks to six made 3-pointers.
Who is stepping up for the Cavs? A big reason why the Cavs have been so successful this season has been the play of Evan Mobley and Darius Garland. Which player has stepped up more?
The All-Star Case for Darius Garland Garland has been one of the best players this season for the Cavs and should find himself in consideration for his second All-Star nod.
