Game Summary
The Cavaliers will square off with the top-seeded Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Philips Arena. Tipoff is at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Cleveland has displayed a strong defensive performance in this year’s playoffs, holding teams to under 100 points in eight of the 10 contests. The Wine and Gold rank 2nd in the NBA in opponent points per game (92.6), 2nd in opponent field goal percentage (.408) and 2nd in opponent three-point field goal percentage (.305).
In the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Cleveland held Chicago under .400 shooting in each of the final four contests and a combined .401 shooting from the field throughout the series. The four consecutive games holding an opponent to under .400 shooting set a new franchise playoff record. The last team to hold an opponent to under .400 shooting in four or more consecutive playoff games was the Memphis Grizzlies (four straight from April 21-29, 2014).
The Cavaliers lead all postseason teams in blocks per game at 7.6. Cleveland had 12 blocks against the Bulls in Game 5, which was just one shy of tying their franchise postseason record for blocks in a single game (13 on May 3, 1989 at Chicago).
Where to Watch:
Tune into the NBA on TNT.
WTAM 1100, 87.7 FM La Mega
What's going to make the difference?
Learn more about tonight’s matchup.
Get into the conversation with other die-hards.
Atlanta advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals after defeating the Brooklyn Nets in the opening round and the Washington Wizards in the Semifinals.
The Hawks have a balanced scoring attack with six players averaging double-digits throughout the playoffs led by DeMarre Carroll's 17.1 points per game.
Probable Starters/Status Update*presented by Cleveland Clinic
Status Update: Anderson Varejao, (Left Achilles Tendon Rupture, Out), Kevin Love, (Left Shoulder Dislocation, Out)
Hawks: PG - Jeff Teague, SG - Kyle Korver, SF - DeMarre Carroll PF - Paul Millsap, C - Al Horford
Status Update: (Hawks) - Thabo Sefolosha, (Right Calf Strain, Out)
Head-to-Head Matchup
Cleveland went 1-3 against Atlanta during the 2014-15 regular season. The Cavaliers trail the all-time series against the Hawks 96-117 (61-47 Home, 35-70 Road).
In the season series against the Hawks, the Cavs shot a combined .408 from the three-point line, while connecting on at least 13 three-pointers in three of the four matchups, including a franchise-record 19 triples in the 127-94 win on Nov. 15.
Where to Catch the Action
TV: TNT, Radio: WTAM 1100, 87.7 FM La Mega, ESPN Radio
Be sure to tune into #CavsLive pregame show on FOX Sports Ohio starting at 7:30 p.m.
For live in-game updates, follow @cavs, @CavsJoeG, @CavsFredMcLeod, @MrCavalier34, @CavsJMike, @chones22, @FSOAllieOop and @ElalcaldeRafa on Twitter.
On Deck
After tonight's game, the two teams will square off in Game 2 of the series on Friday at Philips Arena. Tipoff is at 8:30 p.m. ET. View Series Schedule