Game Summary
The Cavaliers (20-38), winners of four of their last five contests, continue their five-game homestand tonight against the Los Angeles Clippers (42-18) for the final matchup between the two teams this season. Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Cleveland has won 10 straight games over the Clippers at Quicken Loans Arena and has an all-time record of 15-2 against them at The Q.
The Wine and Gold opened their five-game homestand with a 103-92 win over the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday. Since January 22nd, Cleveland holds a 10-6 record, including a 7-4 mark at home.
Los Angeles comes into tonight's game winners of seven of their last eight, and with last night's 99-91 victory over Central Division-leading Indiana, which was 24-5 at home, the Clippers improved to 19-12 on the road this season.
Probable Starters/Injury Report* presented by Cleveland Clinic
Injuries: (Cavs) - Kyrie Irving (Sore Right Knee/Hyperextended, Questionable), Omri Casspi, (Appendectomy, Out), Anderson Varejao, (Vastus Medialis Split/Surgery, Out)(Clippers) - Eric Bledsoe (Sore Left Calf, Day-to-Day)
*Subject to change
Head-to-Head Matchup
The Cavaliers lead the all-time series, 68-47, including a 43-15 mark in games played at home, but the Clippers have a 32-25 advantage while playing in California.
The Wine and Gold have beaten the Clippers eleven out of their last twelve meetings, including a 108-101 victory in the two team's last matchup on Nov. 5. In that game, Dion Waiters set a franchise rookie record with seven three-pointers en route to a game-high 28 points. As a team, Cleveland shot 14-29 (.483) from the three-point line and forced 25 turnovers.
Key to the Game/Key Matchups
Key to the Game
Defense
Cleveland is averaging 106.4 points in February, which is the 2nd-highest in the Eastern Conference and 5th in the NBA.
Los Angeles has had one of the top ten scoring offenses the entire season and currently rank 9th in the league at 100.5 points per game.
With both teams coming into tonight's game firing on all cylinders at the offensive end, whichever team can clamp down on the defensive end will give themselves a great advantage.
Key Matchup
Cavs Bench vs. Clippers Bench
In the victory over Raptors on Feb. 27, the Cavs’ bench outscored Toronto’s reserves, 39-8, led by Marreese Speights (11 points, nine rebounds), Wayne Ellington (13 points, three steals), C.J. Miles (10 points) and Luke Walton (five points, seven rebounds, seven assists).
It marked the 2nd time this season Cleveland has held a team to fewer than 10 bench points (Jan. 16 at POR). In February (12 games), the Cavs are receiving 41.3 points per game from their reserves, which is the 6th-most in the NBA this month.
The Clippers bench is second in the NBA in points per game and have outscored their opponent’s bench 43 times this season, compiling a record of 30-13 when that happens.
The catalyst of Los Angeles' second unit is Jamal Crawford. Crawford leads the league with 22 games scoring 20+ points off the bench, including five on the Clippers’ eight-game road trip. The Clippers have a record of 15-7 in games Crawford has 20 points or more.
Where to Catch the Action
TV: FSOhio HD, NBA League PassRadio: WTAM 1100, XM & Sirius 85, NBA League Pass Audio
Programming Notes:
Cavaliers Live Pregame Show begins at 7:00 p.m. | Tipoff at 7:30 p.m.
• Cleveland, Toledo, Youngstown/Erie, and Wheeling/Steubenville areas:
- Main FOX Sports Ohio cable channel
- Direct TV: FSOhio
- Dish: FSOhio
- AT&T: FSOhio
• Columbus, Lima, Cincinnati, and Dayton, areas:
- The game is being made available to providers to air on the alternate FOX Sports Ohio cable channels. Alternate channel information can be found here: https://www.foxsportsohio.com/pages/channelfinder/
- Direct TV: FSOhio
- Dish: FSOhio
- AT&T: FSOhio
Promotions/Giveaways