To start the season, the Cleveland Cavaliers were in a slump, and after losing three straight, they’re in danger of falling into another one.
After starting the season 5-7, the Cleveland Cavaliers went on to win 19 of their next 21.
Then, they took a trip out West which started with the NBA’s biggest regular season game as the Cavs took on the Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Cavs dropped that game after several questionable no foul calls on Kevin Durant. However, the result can’t be changed now, and following that game, the energy seemed to be taken out of this Cavs team.
Following their disappointing loss to the Warriors, the Cavs lost to Sacramento as the almost 41-year-old Vince Carter lit them up for 24 points in his first game of over 10 points this season.
After getting beat singlehandedly by Carter, the Cavs took on the Utah Jazz, who have been surging behind rookie phenom Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell put up 29 points on 10-of-17 shooting. However, in each of these post-Christmas Day game, the energy was just not the same, and it will be up to the fans to help the Cavs regain their energy and get a win over the Portland Trail Blazers.
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Over the course of the Cavs last three games, both Kyle Korver and JR Smith have been non-existent. That has been one of the main issues for the Cavaliers. Korver, who has grown to be one of the most consistent three-point threats in the NBA, went just 4-for-15 from deep. To top that, JR Smith went 7-for-18 from deep, but he went just 2-for-11 from three if you take away the game against the Kings, in which Cleveland lost by 14. The hard part to swallow about this three-game losing streak is that the Cavaliers, before this streak, had been excellent on the road. They had a 10-5 road recording entering their Christmas Day game against the Warriors.
However, they now get a game at home. The Cavaliers have also been excellent at Quicken Loans this season, securing 14 wins and dropping four hard-fought losses. The 24-12 ball club will also be getting Isaiah Thomas back in what should be intriguing return. Although Thomas will be on a minutes restriction, his offensive presence should help the Cavs secure their 25th win of the season.
All that to say, the Cavaliers on in a situation where they could mimic their pitiful 5-7 start if they don’t get back on track, and this game against the Trail Blazers will be a crucial one for their position moving forward.
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Per Sporting News, Portland star Damian Lillard is expected to play following hamstring injury that has sidelined him five games.
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