The Battle of the Bigs
The Cavs duo of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen has been one of the best big men tandems in the NBA this season. They are the anchors of the league’s best defense, and it has led to Mobley being considered for Defensive Player of the Year it seems. In addition, Mobley and Allen are both averaging over one block per game this season and both are great at contesting shots, as Allen is 6th in the league in contested twos per game and Mobley is second in the league in contested threes per game.
Don’t discount the other end, either, though. Mobley and Allen are also efficient offensive players. The Twin Towers are both shooting above 55% from the field, and over 14 PPG. The Cavs do not have much depth behind them, but these two will be a handful for the Knicks. This is one of the best rim protecting duos in the NBA.
As for the Knicks, their frontcourt is led by All-Star Julius Randle. Randle has bounced back in a huge way this season, averaging 25 PPG and 10 RPG while shooting 46% from the field. His three-point shooting has been up and down to say the least, as he is in the midst of a 3-of-21 stretch, but he is still a threat from out there. Flanking him in the frontcourt is Mitchell Robinson, who is one of the better rim protectors in the NBA. Foul trouble does plague him at times, but his defensive presence is a huge reason why the Knicks are ninth in defensive efficiency since the All-Star break. Robinson also offers a great rebound presence.
Rounding out the big man rotation is Isaiah Hartenstein, who has been a high impact player for New York off the bench. Hartenstein does not wow you offensively, but he doesn’t need to. Defense is his calling card and the Knicks do not miss a beat on that end of the floor when he subs in for Robinson. If Robinson falls into foul trouble, Hartenstein will be there to pick the Knicks up.
Both teams have very talented frontcourts that offer versatility and a staunch defensive presence. This could very easily be a push, but I am picking Cleveland. The reason is that Mobley and Allen have led them to the best defense in the NBA and are two candidates for Defensive Player of the Year. Coupled with that, they offer more offensively than the Knicks frontcourt, who’s only true offensive threat is Randle.