Wizards Face Uphill Battle in Cleveland Against High-Flying Cavaliers
Wizards Struggle in 2024: Cleveland Cavaliers Look to Stay on Top of the East
The Washington Wizards (3-19) will face off against the Cleveland Cavaliers (21-4) this Friday night, December 12, in an exciting Eastern Conference matchup. The Cavs, fresh off a loss to the Miami Heat, will look to bounce back and continue their impressive season. Meanwhile, the Wizards, who are off to one of the worst starts in recent memory, hope to find some consistency as they try to avoid further damage to their already dismal record. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM ET at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland.
This game marks the third meeting between these two teams this season, with Cleveland already having won both previous matchups. The Cavaliers will be looking for their third straight win over the Wizards this year, while Washington aims to build off their surprise victory over Denver last week.
Washington Wizards: A Season of Struggles
The Washington Wizards continue to struggle mightily in the 2024-25 NBA season. With a 3-19 record, they have the worst record in the NBA and are firmly in the mix for the top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Washington snapped a 17-game losing streak with a 122-113 win over the Denver Nuggets last Saturday but immediately followed that up with a 140-112 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
In the loss to Memphis, Washington shot just 32% from the field, including a frustrating 6-of-32 from three-point range. The team is currently ranked 26th in scoring (105.6 PPG), and their offensive efficiency (30th in the league) continues to be a major issue. Their lack of shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, has been a persistent struggle this season. Despite strong individual performances from players like Jonas Valančiūnas (20 points, 14 rebounds) and Marvin Bagley III (20 points), the Wizards have failed to string together consistent performances on both ends of the floor.
Defensively, the Wizards’ struggles are just as concerning. They rank 30th in scoring defense, giving up an average of 119.3 points per game. Their 3-point defense (27th) and overall field goal defense (26th) have been major weaknesses, contributing to their inability to stay competitive in most matchups. Washington is also 29th in defensive efficiency and 21st in turnovers per game, further compounding their issues.
On the road, Washington has been abysmal, with a 1-9 record this season. The team’s inability to win away games leaves them in a tough spot as they head to Cleveland for another difficult matchup.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Top of the East, but Facing Challenges
The Cleveland Cavaliers, under new head coach Kenny Atkinson, have emerged as one of the surprise teams of the 2024-25 season. With a 21-4 record, they currently sit atop the Eastern Conference, one game ahead of the Boston Celtics for the best record in the NBA. However, the Cavs come into this game following a 122-113 loss to the Miami Heat, which snapped their four-game win streak.
Darius Garland led the Cavs in that loss, scoring 23 points, while Georges Niang chipped in with 15 points. However, the team’s star, Donovan Mitchell, was held to just 12 points on 5-of-16 shooting, marking one of his less efficient outings of the season. This loss to the Heat was surprising, as Cleveland had been dominant for much of the season. The Cavs have now lost three of their last four games to teams from the Southeast Division, including two losses to the Atlanta Hawks. However, they have been an impressive 16-1 against the rest of the NBA.
The Cavs have excelled offensively, ranking 2nd in the league in scoring (114.8 PPG), and they lead the NBA in both field goal shooting and three-point shooting. Cleveland also ranks 4th in 3-point field goals made per game and 2nd in offensive efficiency, making them one of the most dangerous teams offensively in the league. However, they’ve been slightly vulnerable defensively, ranking 11th in scoring defense and 7th in field goal defense. Their biggest area of concern is 3-point defense, where they rank 24th in the league.
An injury to Evan Mobley, who left the Miami game with an ankle injury, could impact the Cavs’ defense. Mobley’s presence in the paint has been crucial for Cleveland, and his absence could create additional challenges for the team moving forward.
Conclusion
Despite their recent loss to the Heat, the Cleveland Cavaliers remain one of the best teams in the NBA. Their offensive firepower, combined with a solid defense, should be too much for the Washington Wizards, who are still working through their early-season struggles. With Cleveland’s depth, including the stellar play of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and the defensive presence of Evan Mobley, they should have little trouble dispatching the Wizards at home.
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