Cleveland Cavaliers December Preview: Games and storylines to watch

Cleveland Cavaliers 4 Key December Storylines

While there are countless storylines one could track this month, what are the four most important?

1. When does Jarrett Allen return?

The Cavs have righted the ship on defense over their past three games, but they still rely on Allen’s rim protection to truly clamp down on opponents. If he is back in the next week there shouldn’t be any problems, but if he continues to miss time it will leave the Cavs vulnerable.

2. Do we see Ricky Rubio?

It’s unclear exactly when Ricky Rubio is expected to return, although he is meeting with doctors soon and could be cleared to start ramping up on-court activity. He said before the season that he hoped to be back in December. The Cavs are playing really well, so there’s no rush, but inarguably having Rubio playing will be a boost to an already-good team.

3. Who gets the last starting spot?

When the Cavs get their primary rotation back it will be an interesting question as to who gets the fifth and final starting spot. Early in the season it was Caris LeVert, but he and the team agreed to move him to the bench. Lamar Stevens started in his stead, but while Dean Wade was injured; as Wade returned, Stevens went out. Who will start when everyone is healthy?

4. Tough homestand

The Cavaliers alternate between home and away matchups every few games to start the month, but on December they begin an extended homestand that will last for six games. All six of their opponents are in playoff positioning, and their average record is 12-9. Going 3-3 on that homestand would be understandable; going 5-1 would be stellar.