Talkin’ Cavs: Thunder Matchup, What’s Been Working, What’s Ahead

January 7, 2025

It’s the biggest game of the NBA regular season to date — the Cleveland Cavaliers vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder.

But it’s far from the last game or even a game at the midway point of the season. The midway point isn’t for another week. Still, the Cavs (31-4) have won 10 in a row and sport the NBA’s best record. The Thunder (30-5) have won 15 straight and sport the second-best mark. I joined Kenny Roda and JT to discuss the game and a lot more. Listen here or directly below.

While this game is indeed just one of 82, it also has the feel of something more special. For starters, as my pal Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com relayed, it’s the first time in league history that two teams from opposing conferences with a winning percentage of .850 or higher have met this late into a season.

“It’s going to be the ultimate test for us,” Cavs guard Donovan Mitchell said. “But these are all about, just, like I said, tests. It’s going to feel like a high-intensity game, it should be a high-intensity game. But, ultimately, it’s just another test.”

Latest stop with ⁦@TheKennyRoda⁩ and ⁦@1480whbc⁩, previewing 31-4 Cavs vs 30-5 Thunder. https://t.co/dbosDPCqiz

— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) January 7, 2025

In other words, both teams are incredibly hot, and while there is plenty of basketball to be played, this is the biggest measuring stick for both at this point.

“No championships are won today, but I think there’s a lot we can learn about ourselves throughout these processes that we’re going through,” Mitchell said. “And (Wednesday) is another test.”

It sure is. And for the Cavaliers, Thunder and NBA, this is a wonderful thing. Tipoff is 7 p.m. EST.