Thus far for the Cleveland Cavaliers, it’s been a mixed bag through two preseason contests, both against the Philadelphia 76ers, with the first on the road and the second at home. In Cleveland’s first game at the Sixers, they were moving the ball well, and it was a promising performance from the new-look star backcourt tandem of Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell last Wednesday.
Then on Monday, the Cavaliers just looked to be in a funk, and despite Joel Embiid’s absence (rest), the Cavs got off to a rocky start. There were some positives in that one, and Jarrett Allen did bounce back, to his credit, Embiid absence aside. It was a rough outing for Cleveland, generally, either way, in a 113-97 loss, largely because of a slow start where the Cavs were down 33-20 after one.
Next up for the Cavaliers, they’ll face off versus the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, in Cleveland’s third preseason outing prior to the 2022-23 campaign.
Atlanta was one of the NBA squads that took place in the league’s 2022 Preseason Abu Dhabi Games, with them having two Ws against the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday, and first last Thursday. Offseason trade acquisition Dejounte Murray was sharp in that matchup, and Trae Young was particularly on-point on Saturday, to follow that up; Murray missed that contest due to management of back spasms.
It’s not definitive as to whether or not Murray will be in action on Wednesday, at the moment, but regardless, the Cavs will look to bounce back from a bad start on Monday in this one. So, with that, let’s examine the betting info, injury and possible lineup outlook for this one.
Cavaliers-Hawks: Odds, spread and over/under
According to FanDuel, the Cavaliers are favored here over the Hawks by 2.0 points. The moneyline is set for -132 for Cleveland and +108 for Atlanta in this one.
There is not an over/under for this contest, which is not unforeseen, with this being preseason.
Cavaliers-Hawks: Injury report
Cavs injuries: Ricky Rubio (out, knee); Evan Mobley and Dylan Windler (out, ankle); Kevin Love (out, knee); Jamorko Pickett (day-to-day, back).
Hawks injuries: Bogdan Bogdanovic (out, kneecap); Dejounte Murray (questionable, back); Frank Kaminsky (questionable, knee), Jalen Johnson and Trent Forrest (day-to-day, illness).
Cavaliers-Hawks: Projected starting lineups
Cavs starters: Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Caris LeVert, Dean Wade/Isaiah Mobley, Jarrett Allen
Hawks starters: Trae Young, Dejounte Murray/Aaron Holiday, De’Andre Hunter, John Collins, Clint Capela
Cavaliers-Hawks: Prediction
In this third preseason matchup for the Cavs, I would expect them to bounce back offensively after a rough start on Monday. Garland and LeVert did end up with some solid play in the game, but the group overall started sloppy in that last one, and here, even likely without Mobley again, I’d assume, Cleveland should start more on-point.
It does seem as if Love could’ve been back in a spot start-type role here, as he reportedly did practice on Tuesday, whereas Wade did not, and Love was out the past preseason game because of precaution, anyhow. Even still, Love appears likely to be out, whereas Wade could be in that starting role, based on reporter Evan Dammarell of Fear The Sword and Right Down Euclid’s game preview.
On the other side of the coin, Murray seems likely to be in action here, as he reportedly participated in practice of late as well, and I’d assume in his new situation, Atlanta wants to get him more live reps.
For the game itself, I would imagine this is another contest where things are free-flowing, at least somewhat, however, here, I’d maybe look for some earlier Mamadi Diakite minutes, given what he’s shown with his activity/energy provided. From a defensive perspective, he’s been impressive.
Also as far as deeper bench guys go, in preseason that is here, Sharife Cooper could be looking to make things happen even more so in his minutes later on versus his former team in Atlanta on Wednesday.
Generally, though, like most preseason contests, it’s difficult to say with much conviction as to a concrete prediction. I’ll say the Cavaliers look better here, based on more effective ball movement, but they’ll have to iron out some defensive miscommunications.
Prediction: Cavs 112, Hawks 110
How to watch or stream Cavaliers-Hawks:
This preseason Cavs-Hawks contest can be seen on Bally Sports Great Lakes and Bally Sports Southeast for fans in those respective markets, with those options.
For streaming, NBA League Pass should get the job done for those subscribed. For another streaming option, you can do so via FuboTV with a free trial.
Cavs upcoming schedule:
Following this third preseason outing versus Atlanta on Wednesday, the Cavaliers will wrap up preseason play at the Orlando Magic on Friday, again at 7 PM EST.
From there, the 2022-23 regular season will be getting going next week, with Cleveland’s first two contests at the Toronto Raptors on Oct. 19 and at the Chicago Bulls on Oct. 22.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.