Cleveland Cavaliers vs New Orleans Pelicans: the Home Team Should Have no Problems

Orleans is trying very hard to be solid this season. Still, despite the visiting team's best efforts, the opportunity for an obviously upset last loss to Cleveland to earn a win will be very slim.

The last game ended in a loss to one of the weakest teams in the league, of course, raises questions. But when you think about who hasn't lost, and in general, Cleveland is a young enough team, such moments are pretty acceptable. The Cavaliers are still high in the very competitive East. Fourth place is excellent. J.B. Bickerstaff's team has lost twice in the last ten meetings and not once in their home arena. The defeat added more than motivation to the hungry and young players of the home team.

The Pelicans are perceived as the team of this young, hyped-up guy, even though he's barely played. The team has some adamant players who are trying their best to get the team to the playoffs. The team is coming into this game on a streak of three straight losses. Given the absence of their two leaders and that neither Ingram nor Valanciunas will be on the floor today, the chance to break this streak looks almost nil.

The teams have met this season. Before New Year's Eve and the win at Pelican's home arena went to the home team (108:104). Both teams had lineup problems, but Valanciunas and his team proved stronger. The home team approaches at full strength and with the entire rotation tonight, while the visiting team doesn't have a single star. Cleveland should take the win with a confident advantage.