The Cleveland Cavaliers prepare to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 8 in a landmark event in the NBA. The matchup will pit two of the league’s top teams against each other for the first time this season. The Cavaliers boast a league-best record of 31-4 and have been on a historic run. They have won their last 10 games by double digits, the longest streak of its kind in franchise history.
On the other hand, the Thunder enters this highly anticipated clash with an equally eye-popping record of 30-5. They are fueled by a 15-game regular-season winning streak and an astounding 19-1 record in their last 20 games. Although they experienced a setback in the 2024 NBA Cup Championship game, it has not affected their regular-season momentum. Both teams excel in their respective conferences, with the Thunder remaining undefeated at 11-0 against Eastern Conference foes.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: Prediction
While both teams are coming off impressive stats, the side-by-side comparison gives us valid points to predict who could outlast the other. The Cavaliers’ offense has been on fire. They are averaging 122.5 points per game and securing a comfortable spot at the top of the Eastern Conference. Darius Garland has been a standout performer for the side, recently scoring 25 points in a win over the Charlotte Hornets.
THE CAVALIERS HAVE WON 10 STRAIGHT GAMES… AGAIN.
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 6, 2025
CLEVELAND IS ROLLING. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/IRnlhfGLy1
However, they’ll need to keep their momentum going against an equally fierce Thunder squad that has been riding high after their decisive victory over the Boston Celtics. Meanwhile, Oklahoma is making a serious case for itself as a championship contender. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the spotlight, they boast one of the league’s stingiest defenses, allowing the least points per game all season. They’ve managed to thrive even without key players like Chet Holmgren and Alex Caruso.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: Probable Starting Lineups
Here are the expected lineups for both teams.
Cleveland Cavaliers
- PG Darius Garland
- SG Donovan Mitchell
- PF Dean Wade
- PF Evan Mobley
- C Jarrett Allen
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
Oklahoma City Thunder
- PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- SG Luguentz Dort
- PG Cason Wallace
- SF Jalen Williams
- C Isaiah Hartenstein
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: Injury Updates
The Cavaliers injury report looks shorter against OKC. Sam Merrill is out due to an ankle injury, while Isaac Okoro is also out with a shoulder issue. Luke Travers is listed as day-to-day as he works on his conditioning and integrates into the team via his two-way contract.
Meanwhile, the Thunder have a couple of players listed in their injury report. Ajay Mitchell is listed as questionable due to a toe injury, while Alex Ducas is out with a back issue. Chet Holmgren and Adam Flagler are both out indefinitely, with Holmgren suffering from an iliac hip fracture and Flagler dealing with a metacarpal fracture. Additionally, Alex Caruso is out with a hip strain, and Nicola Topic has been ruled out for the season due to an ACL injury.
Also Read: Social Media Demands NBA To Make Dunks Worth Three Points After Coby White’s Poster Slam On Victor Wembanyama
