Cleveland fans are probably still pissed about the Indians’ loss to the Cubs in Game 7 of the World Series last night. However, a win for the reigning NBA champion Cavaliers should somehow lessen the pain of that outcome. LeBron James and co. are set to take on the visiting Boston Celtics this evening, the first of four regular-season meetings between these two rivals.
Later on, a much-awaited first reunion between former teammates is set, when Kevin Durant and the Golden State Warriors welcome Russell Westbrook’s unbeaten Oklahoma City Thunder into Oracle Arena.
Read on below for a quick look at both of these big-time matchups.
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We all know LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love will get their share of points, while Isaiah Thomas will likely lead the scoring for the visiting C’s. All are averaging around 20 points per contest each, with Irving being the highest at 26.8 a game. It’s safe to say that the Cavs should have an easier time offensively against a Boston defense that’s allowing opponents to score 106.7 points, including 117 points during a tightly-contested season-opening win over the Nets.
Still, the Celtics have a number of capable young bloods, other than Thomas, that can cause problems for the defending champs. For one, there’s the pair of Avery Bradley and Jae Crowder, who’s scoring 21.3 and 14.7 points, respectively, this season. Crowder, though, will miss out on tonight’s game after spraining his ankle last night against Chicago.
Writer’s Prediction
Cleveland (-9.5) starts slow, but eventually powers it way to the easy win.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Golden State Warriors (10:30 PM ET)
No team has been able stop Russell Westbrook from dominating the hardwood thus far. Through four games, the NBA’s most explosive point guard is averaging insane numbers of 38.7 points, 12.3 rebounds and 11.7 dimes and has led OKC to a strong 4-0 start.
Yesterday’s 85-83 road win over the Clippers was undoubtedly their biggest win thus far, but do the Thunder have it in them, or enough energy at least, to punch in another road victory over the mightier Warriors, who have pieced together three-consecutive wins (1-2 ATS) since losing their season opener to the Spurs?
Writer’s Prediction
The Warriors (-11.5) pull away in the fourth period, handing the Thunder their first loss of the year.
