After a devastating 106-93 loss at home in Game 3, the Cleveland Cavaliers look to rally and tie up the series 2-2 in front of the Cleveland crowd in Game 4 against the Boston Celtics.
The Cavaliers overcame a fiery Orlando Magic squad in seven games during the first round of the playoffs, despite a poor offseason for their supporting cast on the perimeter. Through 10 games, the Cavs have the worst three-point percentage of remaining playoff teams at 30.5 percent. Additionally, they hold the worst rebounding average of the remaining teams at 40.5 boards per game. As they enter Game 4, Cleveland needs to turn a corner, depending on Evan Mobley and Dean Wade to win the rebound battle while Donovan Mitchell leads the way offensively.
Game 3 featured Cleveland's best rebounding and shooting of the postseason with a 13-rebound advantage on the boards and a 46.4 percent clip from deep on the night. Unfortunately, their luck did not roll into Game 4, as they shot 33.3 percent from the arc and allowed the Celtics to grab nine extra rebounds. Mitchell led the way on the scoreboard, adding 33 points, six rebounds and three assists to the Cavs' efforts. Evan Mobley followed with 17 points and eight rebounds, and both Darius Garland and Caris LeVert tied with 15 points.
For the Cavaliers to bounce back from Game 3, they desperately need to find production out of their supporting cast. Mitchell and Mobley have given consistent contributions, and Garland is beginning to come to form, but both Isaac Okoro and Max Strus have hardly added to the Cavs' efforts throughout the postseason. In an attempt to reclaim their homecourt dominance that persisted through their first four games at home, the Cavaliers must enter with a gameplan prioritizing ball movement and easy shots at the rim before expanding back to the three-point line.
Cavaliers Game 4 injury update: Who's playing?
Throughout the 2024 NBA Playoffs, the Cavaliers have battled an array of injuries but have recently seen the return of 3-and-D forward Dean Wade after a two-month stint with a grueling knee sprain. Still, they enter Game 4 with question marks looming over four of their top players ahead of tip off.
Cavaliers injury report:
Donovan Mitchell (left calf strain): QUESTIONABLE
Jarrett Allen (bruised rib): QUESTIONABLE
Craig Porter, Jr. (ankle sprain): OUT
Ty Jerome (ankle sprain): OUT
Celtics injury report:
Luke Kornet (calf tightness): OUT
Kristaps Porzingis (soleus strain): OUT
Game 4 will tip off at 7:00 pm Eastern Time, hosted at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. The game will be broadcast nationally on TNT and streamed on YouTube TV.
As the NBA battles to crown a victor, rumors and news have flown about with the Draft Lottery and potential trades this summer.
Report: Cavaliers linked to star forward in trade
As teams fall out of the playoff picture, the NBA offseason trade rumors begin to emerge, and the Cleveland Cavaliers' name has popped up. For once, it is not Donovan Mitchell leaving Cleveland in the news, but instead, the Cavaliers adding another reliable asset next to their superstar guard. After a disappointing sweep against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the New Orleans Pelicans will reportedly explore the trade market for Brandon Ingram, and the Cavaliers have been named a likely suitor for his next destination.
The Pelicans will also not bring back long-time center Jonas Valanciunas, leading the way to a deal for Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen, a name on New Orleans' wishlist over the past few offseasons and deadlines.
With Cleveland's improved postseason run, they will likely enter their offseason a buyer searching for a second star to place alongside Donovan Mitchell. As Evan Mobley develops into a starring center, the Cavaliers are nearing the top of the East as a favorite to reach the Finals in future seasons, but they are still a few moves away from realizing their potential. This will cost the Cavaliers some team-favorite contributors with hopes that the return will outweigh the loss.
Draft Watch: Cleveland's top choices in mock draft
Following the Atlanta Hawks' historic rise to the first overall selection in the 2024 Draft with a three percent chance, numerous outlets released post-lottery mock drafts ahead of the June 26-27 draft nights. Without a second-round pick this year, the Cavaliers will only select with the 20th overall pick. While the lottery results did not affect their placement, draft experts will be evaluating and publishing the best choices for each team over the next month.
Cavaliers draft predictions:
The Ringer: Nikola Djurisic, Mega Basket
Yahoo! Sports: Tristan da Silva, Colorado
CBS Sports: Ryan Dunn, Virginia
Bleacher Report: Tristan da Silva
SB Nation: Pacome Dadiet, France
Though the 2024 draft class is not lauded for hosting a myriad of future stars, it has a deep wealth of talented prospects with potential for lengthy NBA careers. As the Cleveland Cavaliers approach the draft, they will look closely at various prospects to bolster their depth and impact winning early. With their core already set, another young player off the bench for the foreseeable future may play a critical role in the team's success in the coming years.