Cavaliers vs Thunder Game Analysis: Short-Handed in Cleveland
On Monday night (November 2), the Oklahoma City Thunder visit Cleveland to face the Cavaliers.
Both teams enter the game at 4-2, but while the Cavs seem to be doing well, the Thunder are struggling with injuries. Some players could be out for extended periods. Here at PayPerHead, you’ll find our Cavaliers vs Thunder prediction and everything you need to know ahead of this game.
Cleveland Cavaliers Recent Scores: Tough Atlanta Loss
On October 29, the Atlanta Hawks snapped their 3-game skid by beating the Cavs. That ended Cleveland’s 3-game winning streak. Onyeka Okongwu scored a season-high 29 points for the Hawks. Donovan Mitchell reduced Atlanta’s lead to one point with 20.6 seconds left, but two free throws brought the lead back to 3. Donovan had two chances to tie the game with seconds left but missed both.
On October 31, the Cavs visited Milwaukee and trailed 25-24 after the first quarter. In the second, they exploded with 48 points against Milwaukee’s 21. They shot 62% in that first half, while the Bucks hit just 31%. Mitchell had 15 points on the night.
- Oct 22: at 76ers 106-114 (loss)
- Oct 24: vs Nets 125-121 (win)
- Oct 26: vs Timberwolves 127-125 (win O/T)
- Oct 28: vs Wizards 121-111 (win)
- Oct 29: at Hawks 111-114 (loss)
- Oct 31: at Bucks 136-111 (win)
Oklahoma City Thunder Recent Scores: Extended Injuries
The Thunder began the season with four wins before dropping the next two games.
Their injuries are taking a toll as they only stayed close for the first half of their game against the Mavericks on October 28. They were only down 6 points to start the second half, but that margin steadily grew. While the Mavericks kept a steady pace of about 30 points per quarter, the Thunder dropped to 22 in the third and only 15 in the fourth quarter for their first loss of the season.
On Halloween, the Thunder visited Houston to take on the Rockets. Houston led 35-26 after one quarter, then ran 18-4 to push the lead to 55-34. OKC cut that lead to 62-51 going into the second half before the Rockets had an 8-0 run. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 26 points on 10-of-20 shooting.
- Oct 20: at Spurs 116-104 (win)
- Oct 22: vs Nuggets 96-84 (win)
- Oct 25: vs Clippers 108-101 (win)
- Oct 26: vs Suns 125-114 (win)
- Oct 28: at Mavericks 96-120 (loss)
- Oct 31: at Rockets 98-119 (loss)
Cavaliers vs Thunder History: Seattle to Oklahoma City
The Cavaliers have played the Thunder 127 times since they first began competing against each other in 1970, including when OKC were the Seattle Supersonics.
The Supersonics moved to Oklahoma City in the 2008-2009 season. Since then, the Thunder have led the series 18-17.
In the first two seasons, OKC won every game, but things became more balanced until 1995, when the Thunder again won each game for the next seven seasons. Last season, the Thunder won both games to lead the series 74-53.
In all that time, the two teams have never competed in the playoffs.
Cavaliers vs Thunder Prediction: Thunder Struck
Both teams were contenders last year (conference finalists) and look to do it again this season. The Thunder just have to get healthy first. Out long-term are Chet Holmgren (patellar tendon), Jalen Williams (ankle), Cason Wallace (labrum/shoulder), and others with minor injuries.
The Cavs are playing well at home (3-0), while the Thunder have lost their last two road games by 20+ points. But they still have Shai and can score in bursts, but their two-way impact and rebounding will be limited.
With home advantage, our Cavaliers vs Thunder prediction is a win for the Cavs by something like 120-105. The Thunder should be able to reduce the loss margin to less than 20 points. Remember to follow us on social media to stay tuned this NBA season.
