Cavs vs. Rockets Preview & Prediction

The Cleveland Cavaliers had their win streak snapped by the Indiana Pacers on Friday night, but have still won 18 of their last 21 games.

The Houston Rockets have won four straight games, the latest coming in a 102-98 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday.

Projected Starting Lineups

Cleveland Cavaliers (37-23)

G Matthew Dellavedova – 4.5 ppg, 2.8 apg

G J.R. Smith – 12.6 ppg, 3.0 rpg

F LeBron James – 26.0 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 7.3 apg

F Kevin Love – 16.9 ppg, 10.3 rpg

C Timofey Mozgov– 10.3 ppg, 8.1 rpg

Houston Rockets (40-18)

G Patrick Beverly –10.3 ppg, 4.4 rpg

G James Harden – 27.0 ppg, 7.0 apg, 5.8 rpg

F Trevor Ariza – 12.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg

F Terrence Jones – 11.2 ppg, 6.7 rpg

F Donatas Motiejunas – 11.6 ppg, 6.1 rpg

What to watch for:

How will the Cavs play without Kyrie Irving?

Irving will miss his second straight game this afternoon while dealing with a left shoulder strain. His absence was felt in a big way against the Pacers as Indiana point guard George Hill exploited Irving's backup, Mathew Dellavedova, for his first career triple-double. Having LeBron James back (sat out Friday for rest) should help, but someone else is going to have to step up for Cleveland.

James Harden vs. LeBron James

These two won't guard each other, but both MVP candidates are the driving forces behind their respective teams. Whoever plays better will give their team a huge advantage - and a win.

Prediction: Rockets win 106-101

This is a matchup between two of the best teams in the league, with the winner taking a big step to solidify themselves as a championship contender. This game will be close throughout, but I don't think the Cavs can make enough plays in the second half without Kyrie Irving to win.

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