The Cleveland Cavaliers are gearing up for Sunday hoops against the LA Clippers. Here are three things to watch for in this game.
Kawhi Leonard’s Return
Cleveland recently saw Darius Garland and Jaylon Tyson return to their lineup.
Now, the Clippers are getting one of their stars back.
LA expects Kawhi Leonard to be available on Sunday. The two-time Finals MVP has been absent since November 3rd with a foot injury. Leonard missed the Clippers’ previous 10 games, and the team is struggling without him. The Clippers are 4-11 on the season and falling behind quickly in a stacked Western Conference.
Leonard changes everything about this matchup. When healthy, he’s still one of the most threatening players in the league. The Cavs aren’t happy he’ll be making his return against them. But, they are more equipped to handle opposing wings than in years before. De’Andre Hunter, Jaylon Tyson and Evan Mobley give the Cavs plenty of options to defend Leonard.
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Can Evan Mobley keep it going?
Mobley hasn’t found his footing yet this season. He’s had some strong games mixed in with some not-so-great games. His most recent performance against the Indiana Pacers was the former. Mobley scored 22 points on 7-13 shooting, to go with 12 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks.
The Cavs haven’t had much consistency this season. Mobley is only one part of that. But with the team hopefully getting healthy, it’s possible they will also turn the corner. Mobley could string together a few good games to get himself back on track.
A matchup with Ivicia Zubac and Brook Lopez might seem daunting at first. Both of those players have competed for Defensive Player of the Year in recent seasons. Yet, Mobley has always fared well against this archetype of defender. The slower, shambling rim-protecting bigs are easier for Mobley to exploit with his athleticism. Let’s hope for another efficient scoring night.
Chris Paul’s Final Game in Cleveland
Well, unless Paul is traded or released at the deadline, this will be his final game in Cleveland. That is, unless we get an NBA Finals series between the Cavs and Clippers, which feels unlikely.
Paul recently announced that this will be his final NBA season. The 12-time All-Star has played 21 seasons, spending time in New Orleans, Houston, Oklahoma City, Golden State, Phoenix, San Antonio and of course, Los Angeles. There is no doubt he’ll be in the Hall of Fame as soon as he’s eligible.
For his career, CP3 averages 15.1 points and 9.8 assists against Cleveland.
