Cavs vs Blazers preview and gamethread

Cavs have won nine straight.

The Cleveland Cavaliers just escaped a gauntlet without flaw. They’ve taken out the New York Knicks, Memphis Grizzlies, Orlando Magic and Boston Celtics all amid a league-leading nine-game streak. Ahead of them now is the Portland Trail Blazers — who have found recent success in the back half of the season.

Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (49-10) vs Portland Trail Blazers (27-33)

Where: Rocket Arena – Cleveland, Ohio

When: 3:30pm EST

TV: FanDuel Sports Network, NBA League Pass

Line: Cavs -10.5

Expected Cavs starting lineup: Darius Garland, Isaac Okoro, Max Strus, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen

Cavs injury report: Donovan Mitchell – OUT (rest), Luke Travers – OUT (G League), Emoni Bates – OUT (G League), JT Thor – OUT (G League)

Expected Blazers starting lineup: Anfernee Simons, Scoot Henderson, Tomani Camara, Deni Avdija, Donovan Clingan

Blazers injury report: Deni Avdija – QUESTIONABLE (quad), Jerami Grant – QUESTIONABLE (knee), Deandre Ayton – OUT (calf), Matisse Thybulle – OUT (ankle), Robert Williams III – OUT (knee), Bryce McGowens – OUT (G League), Justin Minaya – OUT (G League)

What to watch for

No one would have expected the Blazers to be this competitive. But they’ve gone 16-12 since January, good for 14th in the NBA. Portland has won four games in a row and won’t be a pushover against Cleveland.

That is, unless the Cavs keep playing like the powerhouse they have become.

Cleveland has come out of the gates fast after the All-Star break. During this winning streak, they’re first in both offensive and net rating while playing good defense as well. They’ve obliterated multiple teams by 30+ points and just knocked off the defending champs on their home floor.

Each member of the Cavaliers is hitting their stride. Evan Mobley is pulling away as the new favorite for Defensive Player of the Year while Darius Garland continues to come up big in the clutch. They should have enough to get by even with Donovan Mitchell sitting this one out.

Nothing we’ve seen from the Cavs this season suggests they will take the day off against Portland. If this is true, the Cavs will notch their third double-digit win streak of the season — and pull one game closer to a franchise record for wins. The previous record was set in 2009 at 66 wins. The Cavs are just 18 away from passing that mark with 23 games remaining. Taking care of business against the Blazers will keep them on pace.