Cleveland Cavaliers vs Golden State Warriors: Warriors hot streak needs no introduction

In this game, two cross-conference teams in Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors will clash against each other. After a hot start, the Cavs have lost the last two but still maintain a 9-7 record. On the other hand, the Warriors have the best record in the league and are miles ahead of any other squad right now. For a quick look, head over to the “Notes” column.

Locked in on both ends: The Warriors are dominating the NBA right now and all that without their swingman Klay Thompson. The team is at the top of both offensive and defensive efficiency at 110.9 and 97.0 respectively. Two indicators signify their form this season clearly as the team leads the league in points per game with 115+ and stifling teams for a paltry 101.6. Warriors shoot around 47% per game and limits opponents to around 42%. These metrics back their 12-2 record.

Depth and combinations: While Stephen Curry is hovering 29 points per game, the duo of Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins combine for 35 points on average, which means the 1-3 spot is producing around 65 points or so. Add to the mix the length and quick feet of Iguodala, Otto Porter, Kevon Looney, and Draymond to the mix, and you have a superb defensive team. Draymond continues to be an elite Power Forward who can clip 7-10 points, rebounds, and assists per game consistently while being one of the best defenders in the Association

Relies on defense: Cleveland is top-ten among all the teams in defensive efficiency at 102.7. The youngsters have not allowed more than 100 points only once in the last five games and take a lot of pride on the defensive end of the floor. However, in terms of offensive efficiency, the team is ranked among the bottom ten at scrapping just 103.6. The Cavaliers have not breached the 100 points mark in the last five contests, which is a cause of concern.

Mobley and Sexton’s absence can hurt: Rookie Evan Mobley is going to be sidelined for a month or so and he grabs big time boards and produces at both ends. The team’s scoring leader is Darius Garland at 16.7 Points Per Game and he is also the assists leader with 6.7 Assists per game. Rubio, Garland, Markannen, and Allen average between 13-17 PPG so the team has a gang offensive squad, with different players stepping up at different junctures. However, with Sexton and Mobley sidelined for the long term, the team will have to rely on someone to take the ace offensive role.

Below are some quick hitters related to this game:

• Evan Mobley and Colin Sexton who combine for 31 points per game will miss a lot of games for the Cavs.
• Warriors have lost just two games all season, both by the difference of 5 points or less. Their last nine wins have all been by 11 points or more
• Stephen Curry has had multiple games with 30 points or more.
• Cleveland Cavaliers have only scored 100 or more points 7 times out of 16 games.
• Both Warriors and Cavaliers are excellent defensive teams and figure in top ten in points allowed per game.
• This will be the Warriors’ third of the fourth game away from home. They are 4-1 on the road so far
• Andrew Wiggins has scored more than 28 points twice this month.
• Warriors attempt 42.2 threes per game, which is second in the league. The team makes about 15 per game on 35.5 % shooting.
• Cleveland is 4-3 at home.
• Klay Thompson may return around December and is doing one-on-one contact drills right now.

The Warriors are the hottest team right now and it is scary that they are doing so well without Klay Thompson. Steph Curry is having an MVP type of season while Wiggins and Poole have been phenomenal offensively. How can Cavs withstand such a special team with Mobley and Sexton out for them? The Cavaliers will need to pull something off special here.

Prediction: Warriors will win this game and will also breach the strong defensive net of the Cavaliers.

• Away Team Total Points: Over 108 for 1.90;
• W2 by 8 or more points for 1.87;
• Total O 207.5 for 1.90.