The Cleveland Cavaliers took a step in the right direction with a much-needed 113-101 win over the surging San Antonio Spurs. They’ll try to keep the momentum going as they take on a better-than-expected Phoenix Suns team.
Head coach Kenny Atkinson seemed to find something on the defensive end. He went with a three-big front court featuring Dean Wade, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. This group set the tempo defensively as they played arguably their most complete game of the season on that end of the court.
We’ll see if the Cavs can replicate that success in their last game of 2025.
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Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (18-16) vs. Phoenix Suns (19-13)
Where: Rocket Arena – Cleveland, OH
When: Wednesday, Dec. 31 at 3:30 pm EST
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Ohio, FanDuel Sports Network App, NBA TV
Point spread: Cavs -6.5
Cavs injury report: Sam Merrill – PROBABLE (hip), Larry Nance Jr. – OUT (calf), Max Strus – OUT (foot), Chris Livingston – OUT (G League), Luke Travers – OUT (G League)
Suns injury report: Grayson Allen – DOUBTFUL (knee), Ryan Dunn – QUESTIONABLE (knee), Jordan Goodwin – AVAILABLE (jaw), Jalen Green – OUT (hamstring)
Cavs expected starting lineup: Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Dean Wade, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen
Suns expected starting lineup: Collin Gillespie, Devon Booker, Dillon Brooks, Royce O’Neale, Oso Ighodaro
Previous matchup: The Cavs lost to the Suns 123-112 on March 21. They split last season’s series.
Here’s a look at both teams’ impact stats via Cleaning the Glass.
