Hawks vs Cavaliers: NBA Showdown as Cleveland Aims to Extend Dominance

The Atlanta Hawks are set to face off against the NBA-leading Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers, boasting an impressive 17-1 record, are looking to continue their dominance in the league.

The Cavaliers have been unstoppable this season, with their last loss coming on November 19 against the Boston Celtics. Since then, they have secured high-scoring victories over the New Orleans Pelicans and Toronto Raptors, scoring 128 and 122 points respectively.

The Hawks, on the other hand, are struggling, having lost four of their last five games and currently on a three-game losing streak. Their latest defeat was a 129-119 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Monday. Trae Young, the Hawks’ star point guard, is questionable for tonight’s game due to right Achilles tendinitis, which could further complicate their chances.

Cleveland’s offense, led by Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley, has been the league’s best, averaging 123.4 points per game. The Cavaliers’ trio has combined for over 60 points per game, and they are expected to exploit the Hawks’ weak defense, which ranks 28th in points allowed per game.

Betting odds favor the Cavaliers significantly, with Cleveland listed as 10- to 12-point favorites. The over/under is set at 239 to 240.5 points, reflecting the high-scoring nature of both teams. The Cavaliers have covered the spread in 78% of their games this season, the best mark in the NBA.

Injuries on both sides include the Cavaliers missing Caris LeVert, Max Strus, and Dean Wade, while the Hawks are without Cody Zeller and possibly Trae Young.

The matchup is expected to be a challenging one for the Hawks, given the Cavaliers’ strong offense and the Hawks’ defensive vulnerabilities. Despite the Hawks’ occasional glimpses of potential, the Cavaliers are clear favorites to win and cover the spread at home.