The downtrending Cleveland Cavaliers visit the Los Angeles Lakers to avenge their loss earlier in the season.

Catch the game tomorrow at 3:30 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: Cleveland Cavaliers (46-31, 22-17 AWAY)

Projected starting five:

  • Darius Garland
  • Donovan Mitchell
  • Max Strus
  • Evan Mobley
  • Jarrett Allen

With injuries hitting them this past several weeks, the Cavaliers have been trending down ever since that 17-1 stretch between January and February. They have only gone 11-15 since, scoring 108.2 points per game with a -3.5 net rating.

The Cavs also lost to the Lakers at home last November 26th, 121-115. Leading scorer Donovan Mitchell (26.8 PPG) had an off-night, going just 4-of-18 from the floor in what was one of his worst performances of the season.

The good thing to take from that is they only lost by six despite Mitchell’s horrific shooting. The All-Star is sure to be motivated and should be able to do better tomorrow.

The rest will be an interesting watch. They are a group that fits well, from Darius Garland’s facilitation, Max Strus’s shooting, and Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen’s rebounding and rim protection. Note that Allen also posted 24 points, 13 boards, three steals, and two blocks on LAL the last time they faced.

HOME: Los Angeles Lakers (44-33, 27-12 HOME)

Projected starting five:

  • D’Angelo Russell
  • Austin Reaves
  • Taurean Prince
  • LeBron James
  • Anthony Davis

The Lakers’ late-season push is here again. They are now 8-1 across their last nine games, easily their best stretch in such a span, averaging 123.3 PPG with a +8.2 net rating. Unfortunately, though, they’re still stuck at 9th place out West, and they not only need to win all of their games to move up, other close contenders have to consistently lose as well.

Nevertheless, while in such desperate situations, the focus on LeBron James and Anthony Davis are obviously heightened. James is in his usual self as of late, and she should look to incorporate that on the Cavs tomorrow. He only shot 8-of-23 in their previous encounter with Cleveland, and was basically saved by the scattered contribution from the rest of the squad. Davis had a full line, with game-high 32 points, 13 boards, three assists, two steals, and three blocks, while five other Laker scored in double figures, including all three who came from the bench. Austin Reaves, who’s now back as a starter, is among those, as he listed a double-double of 15 points and 10 dimes.

PICKS:

Spread: Cavaliers (-5.5)

Over/Under: Over (227)