Cavs vs. Lakers preview and gamethread
Cavs look to make it five wins in a row.
The Cavs will look to pick up their third home win against LeBron James.
Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (4-0) vs Los Angeles Lakers (3-1)
Where: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH
When: 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 30th
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Ohio (previously Bally Sports), NBA League Pass
Line: Cavs -5
Expected Cavs starting lineup: Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Dean Wade, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen
Cavs injury report: Max Strus - OUT (ankle), Craig Porter Jr. - OUT (thumb), Emoni Bates - OUT (knee), JT Thor - OUT (two-way), Luke Travers - OUT (two-way)
Expected Lakers starting lineup: D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, Anthony Davis
Lakers injury report: D’Angelo Russell - QUESTIONABLE (back), Austin Reaves - PROBABLE (thigh), Christian Wood - OUT (knee), Jarred Vanderbilt - OUT (foot), Jalen Hood-Schifino - OUT (G League), Christian Koloko - OUT (reconditioning), Maxwell Lewis - OUT (G League), Quincy Olivari - OUT (G League), Armel Traore - OUT (G League)
Fear the Sword will be hosting a live stream watch party for select games this year on Playback. Join Tony Pesta and Corey Walsh as they react to all the action.
What to watch for
Containing LeBron
The Cavs always get LeBron’s best shot. James is 19-3 in his career against the Cavaliers while averaging 28.5 points and 7.3 assists in those 22 games. Unlike many of the bad Cleveland teams he’s gone against, this one is well suited to make life difficult for him.
The starting lineup featuring Wade, Mobley, and Allen has been phenomenal on the defensive end due to their versatility and ability to defend the rim. They’ve registered an impressive 100 defensive rating (96th percentile) while holding opponents to 59.1% shooting in the restricted area (79th percentile).
Wade will likely draw the initial assignment on LeBron like he did with Jalen Brunson on Monday. With how much this defense is currently switching and how often James mismatch hunts, every Cavalier defender will need to be locked in just to contain him.
Evan Mobley vs. Anthony Davis
Mobley is attempting to take the next step in his career as an offensive hub while still remaining one of the best defenders in the league. That is something that Davis has made look easier this year. He’s the early frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year while averaging 32.8 points per game.
It’s easier to compare players with similar archetypes when they share the floor together. This game should provide us with a good update on where Mobley is at in his progression.
Bronny’s homecoming
Bronny has watched his dad play countless games on Cleveland’s court. Now, he gets to share that floor with him and potentially get his first NBA basket there as well. That has the potential to be an incredible moment for both father and son. There wouldn’t be a better place in the world for that to happen.