Pregame Dribbles: Cavs Will Have To Try To Right Ship vs. Reigning Champs

December 1, 2024

CLEVELAND — Random dribbles ahead of the Cavaliers’ home game against the Boston Celtics (6 p.m., EST). …

1. Haven’t played well in three games and you get the reigning champs? Yeah, welcome to the NBA.

2. The Cavs (17-3) went 15-0 before losing at Boston in a game the Cavs could’ve won. But Cleveland couldn’t have won either of their last two against the otherwise average Atlanta Hawks.

3. Now, the Hawks aren’t as bad as their record (10-11). They seem to get up for the good teams and not-so-inspired against everyone else. They also beat Boston in Boston in an NBA Cup game.

4. Anyway, back to the Cavs. They could really use this one. It’s funny to say about a team that’s won 17 of its first 20 — but it’s just the truth. This game marks the only time this season they’re considered the underdogs.

5. I don’t gamble/bet, because I have enough issues playing things straight. (That’s a joke. Sort of.) But for those who do, the Celtics are 1.5-point favorites.

6. If the Cavs are to win this, it’s because they return to getting contributions from everyone. By that, I mean the likes of Caris LeVert, Ty Jerome, Georges Niang, Sam Merrill, etc.

7. Also, needless to say, the stars will need to really shine. Darius Garland went 3-of-21 shooting in the last game vs. the Celtics. Donovan Mitchell went 5-of-23 in the previous game (in Atlanta on Friday).

8. The Celtics (16-3) didn’t have Kristaps Porzingis in the other meeting against the Cavaliers. He’s back now. So, that’s a whole new world of problems for Cleveland. Though I doubt he hits threes at the same rate Al Horford did in the first matchup.

9. That said, Porzingis may not play. He’s been back for just two games after a knee injury and is listed as questionable. The Cavs will be without Dean Wade, who is out for a sixth straight game with a left ankle sprain. The Celtics could also be missing Jrue Holiday (hip), Derrick White (foot), and Horford (toe). All are questionable.

10. Overall, the Cavs are giving up too many 3-pointers against everyone. I’m not sure why that is, but coach Kenny Atkinson said they’re hard at work to fix it. Boston really heaves them up, so how well the Cavs defend the perimeter will go a long way toward snapping their mini-skid.

11. Basically, the Cavs could use a feel-good moment, a statement win, after losing two straight. They’re 2-3 in their last five, with the wins over the lowly Raptors and the even-lowlier Pelicans. A win here would help everyone — including the Cavs — give them real reasons to believe in very good things.

12. Truthfully, a win at this point of the season isn’t everything, and neither is a loss. But for the first time all early season, doubt is starting to creep in when it comes to the narrative surrounding the team. Beating Boston is a good way to quiet the narrative.