The Cleveland Cavaliers are one of a few teams that have to play on back-to-back nights. This is a problem for a few reasons. Let’s talk about this Cavaliers vs Wizards game preview.
One is that they’ll have to travel from Detroit back to Cleveland, giving the team no time to rest. The other is that it could potentially lead to injuries on Cleveland’s roster.
They’re right in the thick of things in the Eastern Conference and can’t afford any injuries. Playing on consecutive days increases the likelihood of this happening.
The NBA needs to find a way around games like this, especially during the regular season. Still, the Cavaliers will give it all they’ve got on both Friday and Saturday.
What we’re going to figure out is how much it’ll impact them. More importantly, how they’ll fare on Saturday against Washington.
Taking on the Wizards without any rest is going to be a tough task, even for Cleveland. What we will say is that Cleveland is doing things not many teams are doing. They’re winning with the players they have.
There’s no “Big 3” in Cleveland, no superstars demanding trades, no drama. However, they’re the fourth-best team in the Eastern Conference right now and close to the No.3 spot. If there’s a team that’s worth admiring in the NBA, it’s the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Barring any injuries from the night before, the Cavaliers should do just fine against Washington. The Cavaliers might not have a stellar offense, but they make up for it on defense. They have the No.1 defense in the NBA in points allowed, allowing only 102.52 points per game.
This defense won’t have much to worry about when it comes to the Washington Wizards. Kyle Kuzma currently leads the team in scoring, averaging 16.3 points per game.
The lack of offense from the Wizards puts the Cavaliers in a great spot. Sure, they might be tired from the night before, but at least they’re facing the No.22 offense.
We will say, the Wizards have gotten the better of the Cavaliers in the past, though. This means that Cleveland will have to be on their toes and alert against Washington.
The good news is that Washington will be without Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis. The Cavaliers will be without Collin Sexton, but Darius Garland has stepped up in his absence. This is why the Cleveland Cavaliers are continuing to win games.
As far as betting on this Cavaliers vs Wizards game goes, you have to take into account the back-to-back games. Cleveland might not be able to cover a very large spread considering they’re coming off a trip to Detroit.
However, if the spread is set within three points, it’s a good idea to take Cleveland here. This season, the Cavaliers are 35-21-2 against the spread.
In their last three games against Washington, they’re 2-1 against the spread. At home, the Cavaliers have been incredible at covering spreads, going 18-9 this season. All of these things are important to note when making your pick.
This will be a great chance for you to take the Cavaliers at home, provided the spread isn’t too large.