CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cavs have lived on the outskirts of the NBA Cup since the league introduced it. Close enough to feel the possibilities, denied just enough to understand how fine the margins can be. Each November, it has felt like the bracket room closed seconds before Cleveland reached the door.
This year, the Cavs are in similar territory with Friday’s group play finale against Atlanta to determine which team advances. They aren’t dead. They aren’t safe. They’re somewhere in the thicket, trying to piece together a path through numbers, opponents and the weight of their own availability.
The equation is clear enough. Cleveland must beat the Hawks on Friday night. From there, their advancement hangs on point differential. They must finish ahead of Miami if New York beats Milwaukee, ahead of Milwaukee if the Bucks win instead or ahead of Orlando if Detroit steals a game.
Each scenario runs through math the Cavs can’t control. But running up the score in their own matchup on Friday is something they can.
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. Atlanta Hawks
Series: Second of four matchups in the regular season.
Where: State Farm Arena
When: 7:30 p.m. ET.
The point spread: Cavaliers minus-5.5; O/U 240.5
TV: FanDuel Sports Network – Ohio
Injury report
Cavs
Out:
- Chris Livingston (G League – Two-Way)
- Sam Merrill (right hand; sprain)
- Max Strus (left foot; Jones fracture surgery)
- Luke Travers (G League – Two-Way)
Probable:
- Jarrett Allen (right third finger; strain)
Questionable:
- Craig Porter Jr. (left hamstring; strain)
- Dean Wade (right knee; hyperextension)
Hawks
Out:
- N’Faly Dante (left knee; MCL sprain)
- Nikola Djurisic (right elbow; sprain)
- Trae Young (right knee; MCL sprain)
Questionable:
- Caleb Houstan (G League – Two-Way)
