The Cavaliers play five games in eight days, starting tonight against a 0-1 Nets team that lost 62 games last season. Cleveland needs a win to stop the slide after giving away a 29-point lead in Philadelphia.
Who is Cleveland playing this week?
Five games. Tonight the Nets at home, then Minnesota on Monday, October 26, and Washington on Wednesday, October 28, both at Rocket Arena. Thursday, October 29 brings a trip to Atlanta on NBA TV, and Saturday, October 31 ends the week at Milwaukee. Three home games first, two on the road after.
Is Brooklyn a game Cleveland should win?
Yes. The Nets went 20-62 last season with a minus-10.0 net rating and a 118.2 defensive rating. Jordi Fernandez's team is 0-1, on the first game of a road trip, and Tyler Bilodeau is out. Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr. can score, but Cleveland has no excuse here.
Does the schedule help or hurt?
It helps early. Cleveland has one day of rest tonight and is not on a back-to-back. Brooklyn has two days of rest but plays again tomorrow. Cleveland's next game is two days away. The first real squeeze comes at the end: Atlanta on Thursday, Milwaukee on Saturday, both on the road.
Who is Cleveland missing?
Nobody on the injury report. Jarrett Allen and Khalifa Diop were cleared on October 22, and so was Nae'Qwan Tomlin, though a report on October 20 had him out at least three to four weeks with a back issue. Cleveland should have its full rotation, including Donovan Mitchell, who scored 32 in Philadelphia.
Which opponent matters most after Brooklyn?
Milwaukee. The Bucks are a Central Division rival, and the game closes the week on the road. Minnesota is the other one to watch, coming to Cleveland on Monday. Atlanta and Washington are chances to bank wins before the trip ends. A 1-4 week would change the tone of this season fast.
Who do the Cavaliers play this week?
Brooklyn tonight, Minnesota on October 26, Washington on October 28, Atlanta on October 29 and Milwaukee on October 31.
Are the Cavaliers healthy for the Nets game?
Cleveland has no one on its injury report. Brooklyn's Tyler Bilodeau is out.
