The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors are set to square off in the marquee game on Christmas Day, marking the first rematch from last year's NBA Finals. Both teams lead their respective conferences and are the overwhelming favorites to face each other in the Finals for the third straight season. Cleveland also comes into the game on a four-game winning streak, while the Warriors have won seven in a row.
So, which one of these NBA powers will come out on top? Here's our full preview & prediction:
Game Info:
When: 2:30 PM EST
Where: Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio
TV: ABC
Spread: Warriors by 2
O/U: 223
What They're Saying About The Golden State Warriors:
Warriors call up Damian Jones from D-League (SFGate)
Rewind: Warriors' win way more gritty than pretty in Detroit (CSN Bay Area)
Draymond Green quickly returns to team after son’s birth (SFGate)
What They're Saying About The Cleveland Cavaliers:
Cavaliers-Warriors developing into a rivalry reminiscent of Lakers-Celtics (Akron Beacon Journal)
Kay Felder Could Start To See A Bigger Role (Fansided)
Cleveland Cavaliers have Terry Talkin' Kevin Love, Kevin Durant and Golden State -- Terry Pluto (Cleveland Plain-Dealer)
Key To The Game: Which team will have better rim protection?
Both Cleveland and Golden State have smaller, more perimeter-oriented teams, leaving each without a true rim protector on the inside. Both teams can usually get away with a lack of shot-blocking with versatile defenders (Draymond Green and LeBron James come to mind), but against teams that can attack the rim, they can be exposed.
The Warriors and Cavs both have excellent slashers who can get into the lane whenever they want, and in theory, both teams should have success around the basket. Whichever team can play better interior defense will win the game.
Prediction: Cavs win 116-112
Cleveland has spent all offseason and all season hearing about how good the Warriors are - even though the Cavs won the title last year. I think they'll treat this game like a playoff game, looking to make a statement in one of their two matchups against Golden State. Plus, Cleveland has the best home winning percentage in the league. Expect them to pull out a narrow victory.