Adam Williams presents his prediction for the NBA match.
The Cleveland Cavaliers stumbled just short of history. Their incredible 16-game winning streak was halted by the Orlando Magic (103:108). Now, the Cavaliers will be eager to bounce back, but they face a tough challenge against the Clippers, who play a similar defensive style to the Magic.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers are in excellent form, having won six of their last seven games. They recently held the third-ranked team in the East, the New York Knicks, to just 95 points (105-95). Notably, their offence has also improved significantly, averaging at least 119 points per game in recent outings, compared to their season average of 111.4. The biggest reason for this offensive surge is James Harden’s outstanding form—he’s putting up 26.3 points per game (compared to his season average of 22.5) and adding 10.5 assists.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers enter this game shorthanded, as one of their best players, Evan Mobley, is sidelined with an injury. The forward averages 18.6 points and 9.6 rebounds in 30 minutes per game. His absence was a key factor in the loss to Orlando. The Cavaliers struggled to break down the league’s top-ranked defence (allowing just 106 points per game) and ended up shooting a poor 41.7% from the field. The Clippers, meanwhile, have the fourth-best defence in the NBA, conceding just 108.4 points per game.
Los Angeles Clippers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction
The Clippers' defensive scheme closely mirrors the Orlando Magic’s, which caused major problems for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Given how much the Cavaliers struggled against the Magic, the home side has a great chance to keep this game close or even pull off an upset.
