After the Cleveland Cavaliers lost to the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday, despite them at one point being up 23 and New Orleans eventually pulling that one out, the outcome felt like Cleveland lost twice. That was because their veteran leader and bench stabilizer, Ricky Rubio, suffered an ACL tear in the same left knee he had that occur in back in 2012, and for a myriad of reasons, that was a significant blow.
Cleveland still should be well-positioned to make the postseason, based on their defense and an easier schedule from here, in my opinion, but it was clear they needed to add another ball-handler. Based on reports from Thursday, it seemed to be a foregone conclusion that Rajon Rondo would be acquired via trade from the Los Angeles Lakers, and as expected, Rondo has been dealt to the Cavs, per Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.
As one would have assumed, the likes of Denzel Valentine is being dealt to L.A., where the partially-guaranteed Valentine is likely to be waived shortly thereafter, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. As of now, there is no second-round pick added with Valentine; the deal was to create an open L.A. roster spot, from their end.
Anyway, looking at Friday, after the Cavs’ last game played out in a convincing loss at the Washington Wizards, with both teams still somewhat shorthanded, due to players being in COVID-19 health and safety protocols, the Cavs will have a chance to get back on track.
They’ll be home on New Year’s Eve for the second leg of their back-to-back versus the Atlanta Hawks, who’ve been as shorthanded as anyone in the league of late from virus issues. The Hawks seem to be a legitimate contender come the postseason if they’re right, though.
So, what do you have to know about this Cavs-Hawks matchup, and how to bet?
As we hit on, the Hawks have been crippled by virus-related problems, with so many of their players having been/gone through protocols. Currently, there are 11 regularly rostered players for them in protocols, and even hardship exception signings Malik Ellison and Malcolm Hill are listed in them.
The fact that Atlanta has honestly not had more games postponed is quite frankly, surprising. The Hawks have lost five of six games, as Trae Young has not had much consistent help with the plethora of guys for Atlanta out of late, but Cam Reddish has been a bright spot.
Cleveland has had some key contributors out in protocols as well, as an aside, and their virus issues were the reason the Cavs’ second originally schedule game on Dec. 19 versus the Hawks was postponed. However, the Cavaliers are getting more players back lately, and once Rondo clears protocols, he can help the bench playmaking, and should fill in a bit until Garland is back from protocols.
And despite the intermediate playmaking concerns, with how thin Atlanta is on available viable guys, the Cavs should have the advantage here.
Cavaliers-Hawks: Odds, spread and over/under
Currently, the Cavs are favored by 1.0 according to our partners at WynnBet, with the over/under for both teams set at 215.5.
For the Cavaliers, their over/under is at 107.0 with Atlanta’s at 108.0; that seems odd, to say the least. It’s typo-worthy, honestly, but in general, with the litony of key contributors out for Atlanta and Garland, and for now, Jarrett Allen not yet 100 percent cleared, I’d expect this to be fairly low scoring.
Cavs-Hawks: Projected starting lineups, injury report
Hawks starters: Trae Young, Skylar Mays, Cam Reddish, Chaundee Brown, Clint Capela
Cavs starters: Kevin Pangos, Isaac Okoro, Lauri Markkanen, Evan Mobley, Kevin Love/Ed Davis
Hawks’ key injuries: Danilo Gallinari, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, Lou Williams, John Collins, Jalen Johnson, Kevin Huerter, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Gorgui Dieng, Onyeka Okongwu, Sharife Cooper, Delon Wright, Malik Ellison and Malcolm Hill (out, health and safety protocols); De’Andre Hunter (out, wrist); Solomon Hill (out for season, hamstring).
Cavs’ key injuries: Darius Garland and Cedi Osman (out, health and safety protocols); Jarrett Allen (questionable for now, conditioning); Collin Sexton (out for season, knee); Ricky Rubio (out for season, knee).
Cavs-Hawks: Prediction
It is yet certain as to whether or not Jarrett Allen will be playing against Atlanta tonight, which would make a significant difference in this game, if he’s able to have his conditioning down. He was doubtful in the Washington loss, but for now I put him as questionable; could seemingly return here, as a crucial interior presence, we’ll see.
Looking past that, and the 10-day hardship exception signings expiring for Luke Kornet and Justin Anderson, here, I’d expect the Cavaliers to be keying in on Trae Young and Clint Capela with help in that pick-and-roll, and forcing essentially the replacement Hawks to beat them. I’d anticipate plenty of trapping of Young, and them forcing Atlanta to win in 4-on-3s aside from that.
Now, I do believe over the course of the game, Young will still get his, with his talent level and handle.
However, with a million Hawks still out, even sans Darius Garland and Cedi Osman (from a rotational shooting perspective), Cleveland should win by 3-4 possessions, whether or not Allen plays, or Love or Davis start as a de facto 5.
Prediction: Cavs 104, Hawks 94
The Bet: Cavs (-1.0), UNDER
Cavs-Hawks: Where to watch
This Cavs-Hawks matchup can be viewed for those in respective markets via Bally Sports Ohio and Bally Sports Southeast.
For those in other markets, or to whom that doesn’t apply to, this matchup can be streamed via NBA League Pass.
Cavaliers upcoming schedule:
Next up for the Cavaliers after this Atlanta tilt, and we’ll see to see as far as other potential Cavs entering protocols, the Wine and Gold will have their first meeting with their Central Division rival, the Indiana Pacers, on Sunday at home. The Pacers have been a group that have had their share of turmoil this season, with rumors of a potential shift to a full-rebuild, and the team has had a bunch of injuries already.
Following that first game against Indy, the Cavs will have their second and final matchup of the season, this time at home, versus Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizz have the makings of a very scary club, and have surged to #4 in the Western Conference, thanks to them getting healthier.
After that Memphis contest, the Cavs will hit the road, and kick off their six-game Western road trip with a matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers and Damian Lillard. The Blazers look to be a club possibly at a crossroads, but are not to be taken lightly.