The Cleveland Cavaliers will get their toughest test of the season when they host the Houston Rockets on Wednesday.
The Rockets have statistically been the second-best team this season behind only the Oklahoma
City Thunder, who they nearly took down in their season opener. Kevin Durant has blended in perfectly with their jumbo starting lineup that features the 6’7” Amen Thompson at point guard. Their size has predictably led to them being third in the league in defensive rating.
What wasn’t as predictable is how good they’d be on the offensive end, especially after losing Fred VanVleet. They’ve been the top offensive attack this season due to their league-leading three-point shooting.
Houston’s size presents a challenge for Cleveland. Right now, the Cavs are completely led by Donovan Mitchell and how far he can take them offensively. Someone else will need to step up if they hope to keep up with the Rockets’ offensive attack.
Who: Houston Rockets (9-3) at Cleveland Cavaliers (10-5)
Where: Rocket Arena — Cleveland, OH
When: Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 7:00pm EST
TV: ESPN, FanDuel Sports Network Ohio, FanDuel Sports Network App
Point spread: This hasn’t been set
Cavs injury report: Darius Garland – OUT (toe), Jaylon Tyson – OUT (concussion), Max Strus – OUT (foot), Chris Livingston – OUT (G League)
Rockets injury report: Jabari Smith Jr. – QUESTIONABLE (knee), Fred VanVleet – OUT (knee), Dorian Finney-Smith – OUT (ankle), Tari Eason – OUT (oblique), Kevon Harris – OUT (G League), Isaiah Crawford – OUT (G League)
Cavs expected starting lineup: Donovan Mitchell, Sam Merrill, De’Andre Hunter, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen
Rockets expected starting lineup: Amen Thompson, Josh Okogie, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr, Alperen Sengun
Here’s a look at both teams’ impact stats via Cleaning the Glass.
