Cleveland finally got their second win of the season Friday night against the Denver Nuggets, and now return home to try and start their first winning streak of the season.
New Orleans has a 3-2 record so far this season, and are coming off of a victory over the San Antonio Spurs.
Projected Starting Lineups
Cleveland Cavaliers (2-3)
G Kyrie Irving – 20.0 ppg, 4.2 apg
G Shawn Marion – 4.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg
F LeBron James – 23.4 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 6.2 apg
F Kevin Love – 18.0 ppg, 11.2 rpg
C Anderson Varejao – 10.4 ppg, 6.2 rpg
New Orleans Pelicans (3-2)
G Jrue Holiday – 14.6 ppg, 7.2 apg
G Eric Gordon – 7.4 ppg, 3.0 rpg
F Tyreke Evans – 17.8 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 5.8 apg
F Anthony Davis - 24.4 ppg, 12.8 rpg, 4.4 bpg
C Omer Asik - 9.8 ppg, 10.4 rpg
What to watch for:
Kevin Love vs. Anthony Davis
Davis has emerged as the best young player in the league, and his length and athleticism are really going to be a major problem for the Cavs. He'll be going up against Kevin Love, who has all the skill in the world, but isn't very athletic.
If Davis is able to completely take Love out of the game, Cleveland's going to have a very hard time winning. However, if Love is able produce at his normal level (or get Davis in foul trouble), the Cavs WILL win the game.
Pelicans rim defense vs. Cavs offense
Cleveland's offense has been predicated on mostly isolation basketball through the first five games of the season, which has led to a bunch of contested layups. The Cavs have some of the best finishers in the league, but New Orleans can counter with some of the best shot blockers in Davis and Asik.
If Cleveland continues to go one-on-one offensively, that'll keep the Pelicans' shot blockers around the basket and allow them to wreak havoc. On the other hand, if the Cavaliers move they ball like they did against the Nuggets, those shot blockers will be moving all over the court and won't be able to affect as many shots.
Prediction: Pelicans win 104-96
Cleveland was dominant with LeBron James playing point guard against Denver, but they still want to see if they can figure it out with Kyrie Irving running the show. The Cavs have improved offensively, but they still aren't great. I expect Anthony Davis to have a HUGE game on both ends of the floor and lead the Pelicans to the win.
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