Cavs at Jazz preview and gamethread
The Cavs look to break their four-game losing streak
The Cleveland Cavaliers will try and end their season-worst four-game losing streak in Utah this afternoon as they take on the Jazz.
Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (56-14) at Utah Jazz (16-55)
Where: Delta Center - Salt Lake City, Utah
When: 3:30 PM EST
TV: FanDuel Sports Ohio
Line: Cavs -16.5
Expected Cavs starting lineup: Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen
Cavs injury report: Emoni Bates - OUT (G-League), Nae’Qwan - OUT (G-League), Luke Travers - OUT (G-League), Jaylon Tyson - QUESTIONABLE (knee)
Expected Jazz starting lineup: Isaiah Collier, Collin Sexton, Svi Mykhailiuk, Cody Williams, Walker Kessler
Jazz injury report: John Collins - OUT (ankle sprain), Lauri Markkanen - OUT (illness), KJ Martin - QUESTIONABLE (elbow), Jaden Springer - QUESTIONABLE (low back) Taylor Hendricks - OUT (broken leg), Elijah Harkless - OUT (G League), Oscar Tshiebwe - OUT (G League),
What to watch for
Lean on the D
There have been a number of troubling things from the Cavs amidst their losing streak, but the one that is perhaps the most alarming is the lack of defense. While they did defend well against the Orlando Magic one week ago, the energy on the defensive side of the ball has been lacking. The Cavs allowed the Los Angeles Clippers to put up 132 points (55% shooting), the Sacramento Kings 123 points (46% shooting from deep), and the Phoenix Suns 123 points (52% shooting). That simply isn't going to get it done.
Against a team like the Jazz, there is no excuse. Utah is 20th in the league in points per game and 24th in offensive rating. They're also 29th in defensive rating and turn the ball over more than any team in the NBA.
The Cavs should (and that is a big should), impose their will on the woeful Jazz. They are certainly the more talented team, even when Utah is fully healthy, but that hasn't been enough for the Cavs as of late. They have looked lackadaisical and uninterested on defense, not closing out hard enough or playing with the intensity required to win NBA games. That must change against Utah.
Is this the game Mitchell gets going?
Donovan Mitchell has taken some criticism, including some from himself, for his poor play of late. The Cavs have not always needed Mitchell to play hero ball this season, but it's coming at a time when others are struggling or battling small injuries. That makes the Cavs’ margin for error thinner, and other teams have capitalized.
Mitchell spent the first five seasons of his career in Utah, with good success. In three career games against the Jazz, Mitchell is averaging 30.3 points, 3.3 assists, and 4.7 assists on 53.7% shooting and 48.4% from deep. Perhaps this is the type of game that gets him going again. The Cavs could certainly use a Mitchell takeover game, even if it's just to get his confidence headed in the right direction for the home stretch.