CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cavs wrap up their three-game homestand against Western Conference opponents as they welcome the Golden State Warriors to Rocket Arena for the second night of a back-to-back on Saturday night. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Eastern.
After a 130-117 victory over the Spurs on Friday, Cleveland will need to carry that momentum forward, particularly in attacking the paint, if they want to maintain their edge against a shorthanded Warriors team.
Cleveland’s dominant third quarter against San Antonio that led to an 80-44 advantage in points in the paint served as a blueprint for what the team can accomplish when it commits to rim attacks over settling for perimeter shots.
Against Golden State, the stakes are similar but the variables shift.
The Warriors will be without Stephen Curry, but that doesn’t mean the Cavaliers can dial down their intensity. Cleveland’s defensive focus must remain high — Golden State still boasts shooters capable of exploiting any lapse in attention. The Cavs cannot afford to treat the matchup as a layup just because Curry will be absent.
Offensively, this game presents a chance for Evan Mobley to continue growing as a central hub. With the Warriors likely missing a rim-protecting presence, Mobley’s decisions become critical.
Will he force his way to the basket, or leverage his interior gravity to create open looks for teammates like Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, or the supporting cast?
Saturday night could be a moment to continue refining that balance, helping shape the Cavaliers’ identity as a team capable of consistently dominating the paint.
Cleveland’s key to success will be translating their recent statements into sustained action. This is a chance for the Cavs to confirm that their recent paint dominance isn’t just a one-night phenomenon.
How to watch the Cavs: See how to watch the Cavs games with this handy game-by-game TV schedule.
Here’s what to know about the matchup:
Who: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors
Series: First of two matchups in the regular season.
Where: Rocket Arena
When: 7:30 p.m. ET.
The point spread: Cavaliers minus-7.5; O/U 228.5
TV: NBA TV & FanDuel Sports Network – Ohio
Injury report
Cavs
Out:
- Jarrett Allen (right third finger; strain)
- Sam Merrill (right hand; sprain)
- Larry Nance Jr. (right calf; strain)
- Max Strus (left foot; Jones fracture surgery)
Warriors
Questionable:
- Jimmy Butler III (left knee; injury management)
- Seth Curry (right toe; soreness)
- Draymond Green (right midfoot; sprain)
- De’Anthony Melton (left knee; injury management)
Out:
- Stephen Curry (left quadriceps; contusion)
- Al Horford (right sciatic nerve; irritation)
- Alex Toohey (left knee; injury management)
