The Cleveland Cavaliers are on the road again for a game against the Houston Rockets. This one begins at 8 PM and has all of the usual players available for the Cavs, other than Max Strus and Larry Nance
Jr.
Rebounds
Alright, sure. Let’s do this again.
We all know that rebounding has been a thorn in Cleveland’s side since… well, since forever. This team has never been great at rebounding — even if they’ve been a bit better than most people would assume. The truth is, wathcing an opponent grab an offensive rebound over the Cavs is always going to incite a reaction.
We are all frustrated. Losing to New York at the hands of another huge rebounding game from Mitchell Robinson hasn’t made things any better. The Cavs will have an even bigger challenge tonight against the Rockets, who have made offensive rebounds their entire identity.
I don’t expect the Cavs to win the rebounding battle tonight. But can they avoid being pummelled? That could be all they need to win the game.
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Clicking on offense
Cleveland’s offense has come to life this week. They are scoring at a rate that feels closer to last season than anything they had previously shown this year.
Getting Sam Merrill back has been a huge reason for this. But even more importantly, Darius Garland has looked like an All-Star again. Those two have tilted the scales back in Cleveland’s favor.
Can they keep it up?
Evan Mobley’s return should only add more fuel to this fire. Another play finisher who can lead second units with his shot creation is something that could give the Cavs the final push they need to be a contender again.
Locking in on defense
While the offense has found its groove, the defense has lagged slightly behind. The Cavs have had some fine moments recently, but this defense still isn’t where it needs to be.
Having the regaining DPOY back in action will help. Mobley, as he gets readjusted to the team, can anchor this defense into being top-1o almost all on his own.
But what I’d really like to see is a big Jarrett Allen game.
I know. Allen has taken his lumps for another dud against the Knicks. And he hasn’t been playing his best basketball this season. But we know he’s capable of more. Allen and Mobley have been dominant in the past. Let’s get back to that tonight, shall we?
