Cleveland is 2-1, sixth in the conference and has won two straight heading into five games in eight days. On paper the stretch starts soft and ends with two straight games against Oklahoma City.
What's on the schedule and where can I watch?
Washington visits Rocket Arena on Wednesday, October 28. On Thursday the Cavs play at Atlanta on NBA TV. On Saturday, October 31, they're at Milwaukee. Oklahoma City comes to Cleveland on Monday, November 2, on Peacock and NBC Sports Network. Then the Cavs fly to Oklahoma City for the rematch on Wednesday, November 4. That's five games in eight days, and three of them are on the road.
Should Cleveland handle the Wizards?
It should. Washington is 2-2, lost its last game and plays Wednesday on the road, on the second night of a back-to-back. Cleveland gets a day off after Monday's overtime win. The Wizards are without AJ Dybantsa, Tristan Vukcevic and Jamir Watkins, and Justin Champagnie is day-to-day. The danger is Trae Young, who is averaging 22.3 points and 11.0 assists over four games, and Anthony Davis at 22.8 points and 9.3 rebounds.
Is the Atlanta and Milwaukee trip the real test?
It's where we find out about the legs. Thursday at Atlanta is the back half of a back-to-back, the night after Washington. Milwaukee follows after one day off, and that one is on the road too. James Harden is 37 and played 40 minutes against Minnesota, and Donovan Mitchell played 38. Kenny Atkinson has bench help that just earned more minutes. Jaylon Tyson was plus-15 in 20 minutes, and Meleek Thomas scored 16 and hit four of five threes.
Which opponent matters most?
Oklahoma City, because Cleveland plays the Thunder twice in three days: at home November 2 and in Oklahoma City November 4. Playing the same team at home and then on the road tells you more than any single night. Those games also come right after four games in six days. Cleveland can't afford a collapse like the 11-0 fourth-quarter run that put Minnesota up 101-94 on Monday.
Who's out for Cleveland?
Nobody is listed. Jarrett Allen, Khalifa Diop and Nae'Qwan Tomlin were all cleared October 22. An October 20 report had said Tomlin would miss at least three to four weeks with his back, so watch whether he actually plays. Peyton Watson's status had been unclear, but he logged 37 minutes Monday with four blocks, three steals and the two free throws that iced the game.
When do the Cavaliers play the Thunder?
Twice in three days: at home on Monday, November 2, on Peacock and NBC Sports Network, and in Oklahoma City on Wednesday, November 4.
Do the Cavs have a back-to-back this week?
Yes. They host Washington on October 28 and play at Atlanta on October 29, a game on NBA TV.
