Two of the League’s Best Scores Face Off

The Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Golden State Warriors on November 11, 2022, at 8 CST. The Cavs sit 2nd in the Eastern Conference with a record of 8-3, while the Warriors sit 12th in the Western Conference at 4-7. The last ten times the Warriors and Cavs have faced off, the warriors have won all ten games. The current spread is at warriors -2.5. They are favored in this matchup (-167) compared to the Cavs at (+120). The over/under is at 229. 

For the warriors, it has been nothing but struggles this year. To start, they have been losing many games where they are favored. They lost 130-129 to the 2-9 Orlando Magic and fell to the 3-9 Detroit Pistons. Through these struggles, Stephen Curry continues to be lights out. Curry currently leads the Warriors in points per game (32.6), rebounds (7.1), and assists (6.9). Last game, Curry dropped 47 in a win over the Sacramento Kings 116-113. Scoring is not an issue for the warriors. They average 117.3 points per game (4th in the NBA) and rank top ten in field goal percentage at 47.5%.

Klay Thompson will be a big player to watch this game. Unlike his fellow splash brother, Klay is starting to decline.  He has gone from averaging 20.4 points per game, shooting 42.9% from the field, to averaging 15.1 points and shooting 36% from the field. However, he is still a vital part of the offense, averaging 16.1 shots per game. One major issue for this Warrior’s offense is turning over the ball, averaging 16.7 turnovers per game (top five in the NBA). Defense is another major issue. The warriors rank 29th in points against (120.) and 22 in the defensive rating of 115.9. One of their key defenders, Andre Iguodala, will be out with a left hip injury. 

For the Cavs, they have had the season they dreamed of. Their blockbuster trade over the summer for three times Allstar Donavaon Mitchel has been a steal for them. Mitchel is currently averaging 31.9 points per game. Not only is he scoring at a high volume, but he also shoots consistently, shooting 51.4% from the field and 44% from three. The last game out was a significant performance for Mitchel, scoring 38 in a loss to the Sacramento Kings. Another key player for the Cavs is Jarret Allen, averaging 11.7 rebounds per game.

The Cavs are playing good basketball as of late. The Cavs average 116.6 points per game (9th in the NBA) and give up an average of 107.4 points per game (7th in the NBA). The Cavs currently sit 4th in the NBA in field goal percentage at 48.2%. Darius Garland is going to have a crucial matchup in this game. He has struggled on the defensive all year, being ranked number 42 amongst guards in the NBA in defensive rating (110.1). This can be a significant issue for the Cavs as he will guard the number 2 sorcerer in the NBA, Stephen Curry.

In this matchup, 2 of the league’s best scores face off. Curry is second in the league in points per game, while Donavan Mitchell is the 3rd. The Warriors only have one win against teams that are above500. They were able to defeat the Trail Blazers 131-98. The Cavs can shoot, and they shoot well, having a team that’s top five in field goal percentage and an offense that does not turnover the ball much. The Warriors have had issues defending the ball all season, which I believe will continue for this game. That is why for this game, I am taking Clevland +2.5