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.
Cavs vs. Thunder: Game of the Year Rematch and Rotation Challenges
The Cleveland Cavaliers are gearing up for a highly anticipated rematch against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night. This game has the potential to be another instant classic, following their thrilling encounter just a week ago that many are calling the NBA’s Game of the Year so far.
As we look ahead to this matchup, there are several intriguing storylines to watch. One key factor will be how both teams adjust their strategies after their recent face-off. With Isaiah Hartenstein sidelined for OKC, we can expect to see some small-ball lineups from the Thunder. This could present an interesting challenge for the Cavs, who have relied heavily on their big men all season.
The Cavs’ ability to dominate the boards was a significant advantage in their previous meeting, and it will be interesting to see if they can maintain that edge against a potentially more nimble OKC lineup. On the offensive end, all eyes will be on Donovan Mitchell, who had an uncharacteristically poor shooting night in the last game. I’m expecting a bounce-back performance from Mitchell, who has been finding different ways to impact the game beyond just scoring this season.
One of the most intriguing subplots for this game is the potential for Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson to have his full rotation available for the first time this season. With Ty Jerome questionable but trending in the right direction, Atkinson may face the enviable but challenging task of managing minutes for all 11 players who have been part of the regular rotation.
This abundance of healthy bodies presents both an opportunity and a dilemma. Will Atkinson expand his rotation to 11 players, or will someone find themselves on the outside looking in? It’s a testament to the Cavs’ depth that this is even a question, but it also highlights the delicate balancing act required to keep a talented roster engaged and productive.
My prediction is that Atkinson will try to get all 11 players some run, at least in the first half. However, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the rotation tighten up in the second half based on matchups and who has the hot hand. This flexibility could prove to be a significant advantage for the Cavs as they continue their push towards the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Cavs-Thunder rematch, tune into the Locked On Cavs podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Cavs Podcast:
• Donovan Mitchell’s evolving role and impact on the team’s success
• The impressive growth of Darius Garland and Evan Mobley
• How the Cavs’ chemistry and selflessness are driving their stellar season
Jan 4, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) greets Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) before a game at Frost Bank Center. | Scott Wachter/Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
I only get to write this column once per week, so while we’re still technically a game or two short of the halfway marker for most teams, I’m here with some second-quarter awards anyway!
These are honors for the second quarter and second quarter only; they aren’t predictive. Word count limitations mean I have no margin for a longer introduction. You get it.
Interior Defensive Player of the Quarter
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
When it comes to analyzing defense, it isn’t fair to lump wings and guards with bigs; it’s like comparing a sports car to a heavy-duty pickup truck when you can only buy one vehicle. Instead, I split Defensive Player of the Quarter into interior and perimeter editions.
My Interior Defensive Player of the Quarter won’t shock: it’s Victor Wembanyama. I could throw a bunch of advanced analytics at you to prove the case, but instead, I’d ask that you join me in prayer: Holy mother of basketballs, protect your children from the harm Wembanyama inflicts upon them.
Ok, fine, here’s one fun, if basic, number. In the season’s second quarter, Wemby had an outrageous 69 blocks. That’s 30 more than second-place Myles Turner, despite the fact that Turner played in three more games. Let’s not waste time here.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Roster Jaylon Tyson is patiently awaiting his opportunity with the Cleveland Charge, the G League affiliate of the Cavaliers.. (Fear The Sword)
Trade As the trade deadline approaches, the Cavs are evaluating both dream and realistic targets to bolster their roster. (Bleacher Report)
Nick Richards Traded to Phoenix Suns: Fantasy Basketball Impact and Analysis
Jan 12, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards (4) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas/Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Phoenix Suns have acquired center Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets in a trade that sent shockwaves through the NBA. While not a blockbuster deal, this move has significant implications for fantasy basketball managers.
In exchange for Richards, the Hornets received Josh Okogie and three second-round picks, while the Suns also got a second-round pick in return. At first glance, it might seem like the Suns got a steal, but let’s take a closer look at what this means for Richards’ fantasy value.
Richards has been averaging 21 minutes per game this season, putting up 9 points and 7.5 rebounds with 1.2 blocks. These numbers have him ranked 205th in category leagues, which is far from impressive. However, the change of scenery could potentially boost his value.
Cleveland went in to OKC on Thursday night suffered its worst defeat of the season. How much is there to be concerned by?
Bounce Back! After the Cavs saw their winning streak snapped on Sunday night by the Pacers they went in to Indy and got a win! How important was that response?
