Game Preview
The undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers (14-0) are riding an incredible wave of momentum as they prepare to host the struggling New Orleans Pelicans (4-10) on Wednesday night. The Cavaliers have been a well-oiled machine, blending stifling defense with an explosive offense that is averaging a blistering 123.7 points per game.
Cleveland's dominance stems from their balanced attack and efficiency across the board. They are shooting a scorching 52.4 percent from the field, including a shade under 42 percent from beyond the arc. The Cavs have also excelled at getting to the line and converting, hitting nearly 77 percent of their free throws. With a 28.4 assist average, ball movement has been a catalyst for creating high-quality looks.
Defensively, Cleveland has smothered opponents, limiting them to just 111 points on average. They've been particularly disruptive, averaging 9.3 steals and 5.1 blocks per contest, fueling their transition attack. This two-way excellence has propelled the Cavaliers to an unblemished 10-0 record over their last 10 games while outscoring teams by a robust 10 points per game.
In stark contrast, the Pelicans have scuffled mightily, mustering just 4 wins through their first 14 games. Their struggles can be traced to an anemic offense that is hovering around 105 points per outing on 43.9 percent shooting. New Orleans has been particularly inept from distance, hitting a frigid 35.1 percent of their three-point attempts.
While the Pelicans have been solid on the glass, grabbing nearly 44 rebounds a night, their inability to take care of the ball has undermined their efforts. They are committing a concerning 14.4 turnovers per game, short-circuiting their offensive flow. This combination of poor shooting and careless ball-handling has resulted in a dismal 2-8 record over their last 10 games, including 4 losses in their previous 5 outings.
Based on current form, the high-flying Cavaliers appear poised to continue their torrid start as they host the reeling Pelicans. Cleveland's balanced, efficient offense coupled with their stifling defense presents a daunting challenge for New Orleans to overcome, especially given their recent struggles to generate consistent offense. All signs point to the Cavaliers extending their winning streak in front of their home fans.