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3 things to watch for on Cavs ‘California Dreamin’ road trip

By John Suchan

Nov 4, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31), forward Lamar Stevens (8), forward Kevin Love (0), forward Caris LeVert (3) and forward Cedi Osman (16) celebrate as they hold a lead in the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Allison Farrand-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 4, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31), forward Lamar Stevens (8), forward Kevin Love (0), forward Caris LeVert (3) and forward Cedi Osman (16) celebrate as they hold a lead in the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Allison Farrand-USA TODAY Sports /
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LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers. Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images /

No. 2: The Cavs’ competition

It’s a bit of a surprise when you take a look at the records of these upcoming teams that the Cavs are playing out West. Three out of the four teams have losing records at this very early stage of the season. That likely will change as the season progresses but at this time that’s where we’re at. Can Cleveland continue their winning streak and take advantage of these teams right now that are struggling?

The Lakers are a mess and LeBron James is contributing to that. He’s averaging his standard 24 points a game, but his shooting percentages are a lot less especially on the three-point shot. His shooting average is at 43% and his shots at three-pointers are a dismal 20%. And when you look at the numbers more closely, his minutes are still some of the highest he’s had in his career. James is starting to show his age and that has something to do with why the Lakers are where they’re at and struggling.

The Cavs play the LA Clippers the next evening on Monday, and they are the only winning team at the moment that the Cavs are scheduled to play. They have a 5-4 record as we speak.

The next two contests are against the lowly Sacramento Kings and then the Warriors at the end of the week next Friday. The Kings have their typical sub-.500 record and show no signs of challenging teams this season. The Warriors, in a bit of a surprise, are also at a dismal 3-7 record.

Cleveland certainly could take advantage of all of this and come away continuing on their amazing win streak. The Cavaliers have only had winning streaks like this when LeBron used to play for them. The last time was during the 2017-18 season when they won 13 games in a row. This Wine and Gold squad is riding high on a seven-game win streak.

It’s tough to win on the road, but this trip for Cleveland could put them in the driver’s seat early on in the year if they can sweep California.