The Cavaliers have two easier games added to their schedule due to missing out on the NBA Cup.
The Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t advance to the next round of the NBA Cup due to two of their three losses this season coming in their group-stage games. As a result, two games that they would’ve played in the NBA Cup have been added to their schedule to make up for it.
The Cavs will take on the Washington Wizards at home on Friday, Dec. 13, and then the Brooklyn Nets on the road on Monday, Dec. 16.
This will be the fourth time the Cavs play the Wizards this year. Cleveland has won their two prior meetings in emphatic fashion which includes Tuesday’s victory. It is beneficial to play the team with the worst record in the league as many times as possible.
The Cavs will also take on the Nets for a fourth time. The Cavs narrowly won their first matchup at home last month.
Losing out on the NBA Cup is unfortunate. It would’ve been beneficial to see how this team held up to the added attention to detail and game planning games in the knockout round would’ve brought. Simulating playoff situations would’ve been invaluable. That said, this isn’t the worst possible outcome.
The Cavs play two teams that are currently 10th and 15th in the conference. They should be able to come away with victories in both games. Advancing in the NBA Cup would’ve seen them play these two additional games against better competition. That isn’t a bad consolation prize all things considered.