Cavs Pursue Top Seed Against Spurs Amid Injuries

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The Cleveland Cavaliers are set to face off against the San Antonio Spurs on April 4, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET at the Frost Bank Center. With just six games left in the regular season, the Cavs (61-15) are aiming to secure the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, while the Spurs (32-44) struggle without key players.

This matchup comes just a week after the two teams met in Cleveland, where the Cavaliers took an eight-point victory. The Spurs, currently battling injuries, look to disrupt Cleveland’s push for home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.

The Cavaliers, on a quest for their first No. 1 seed in years, need only two more wins to clinch their playoff position. “Every game is crucial now,” Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff stated. “We want to maintain our rhythm as we approach the playoffs.”

However, the Cavaliers are not entering the game unscathed. Ty Jerome will miss this game due to persistent knee tendinitis, while Dean Wade is sidelined by illness. Both players are essential to the team’s rotation, currently fine-tuning their strategies as injuries mount.

On the other hand, the Spurs are facing a daunting challenge; their star prospect, Victor Wembanyama, is out for the season due to deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. De’Aaron Fox is also sidelined after undergoing surgery for a finger injury. “We have to focus on execution and player development,” Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich explained. “Spoiling opponents’ chances is an added motivation at this stage.”

As both teams prepare for tonight’s matchup, the Cavaliers hope to leverage their high-scoring offense, averaging 122.4 points per game this season. Led by All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell and emerging talents like Evan Mobley, they are aiming for a decisive victory. “It’s all about staying engaged and not getting complacent,” Mitchell noted.

The point spread for this game is currently set at Cavs minus-13.5, reflecting their strong season compared to the struggling Spurs. The Cavaliers have won seven of their last eight meetings against San Antonio, boosting their confidence heading into this matchup.

Tips for fans planning to watch include tuning into the FanDuel Sports Network and following game updates via the Cavaliers’ Twitter handle. Gamers can also expect a focus on defensive strategies as the Cavs aim to exploit the Spurs’ vulnerabilities on the boards.

The Spurs, possessing an average of 114.0 points per game, seek to upset the favored Cavaliers. Yet, with their defensive struggles and missing key players, it will be a tall order. The team’s lack of size following Wembanyama’s injury puts them at a strategic disadvantage against Cleveland’s inside presence.